Needs and participation strategies proposed by the family in the daily care of the critically ill patient.

Abstract

The continuous and technical assistance that the critical patient requires sometimes produces a barrier with the family, generating the alteration of their needs. Family involvement is beneficial to both the family and the patient. 1) Knowing the feelings and needs of the patients' relative admitted to an ICU of a third level hospital in Catalonia and 2) To study the participation strategies proposed by the relatives. Phenomenological qualitative study. The sample population selected was the patients' relatives admitted to an UCI of a 3rd level Catalan hospital from May 2017 to February 2018. The sampling was intentional, considering different typologies to guarantee the diversity of the discourse. Semi-structured interviews were conducted, analyzed thematically. The rigor criteria of Guba and Lincoln were applied. 15 relatives were interviewed. The participants express negative, positive and transformative feelings. Psychological assistance, having more information and collaborating in the care of your family member are some of the expressed needs. Among the strategies proposed in the absence of care participation is the increase in family hours in the ICU and the support of a nurse educator care. It is necessary to reorient the personnel practice incorporating strategies that further integrate the family in the daily care of the critically ill patient. Helping the family, prioritizing their needs and guiding them in learning is basic and part of the professional care.