Critical Care Family Needs Inventory Research Articles

A study to assess the psychosocial needs of patient family members in the intensive care unit in India.

Admission to an intensive care unit (ICU) is considered a mental crisis for patients and their families as they are unprepared for such a stressful and difficult situation. Hence, the objectives of this study are to assess the psychosocial needs of patient family members in the ICU in various dimensions such as assurance, proximity, information, support, and comfort; and to associate their psychosocial needs with their socio-demographic variables and clinical variables of the patient. This was a cross-sectional analytical study conducted between December 2021 and January 2022 among 188 family members of patients admitted to the ICU using a convenience sampling technique in a tertiary hospital in Puducherry, India. The modified Critical Care Family Needs Inventory (CCFNI) questionnaire was administered to all consenting family members to determine their needs. The overall most important need among the five dimensions of modified CCFNI scores identified by the family members is the need for assurance (2.71±0.38). Using analysis of variance, statistical significances were found as follows. Education and comfort (F-statistic and P-value): 2.76 (0.029); relationship with the patient and assurance: 2.61 (0.036); relationship with the patient and support: 2.44 (0.048); level of consciousness and comfort: 4.63 (0.010); ICU visit restriction and assurance: 3.28 (0.022); ICU visit restriction and comfort: 8.08 (<0.001). Since family members are essential members of the treatment teams, nurses should concentrate on reassuring them, assisting them in emerging from crises through appropriate communication, offering support, and attending to their needs.

Psycho-social needs of family members of patients hospitalized in the burn intensive care unit: A cross-sectional study

This study aimed to determine the psycho-social needs of the families of patients hospitalized in the burn intensive care unit (ICU). This cross-sectional study recruited 152 family members of patients hospitalized in the burn ICU, using the convenience sampling method. Data were collected from May to August 2018. The data collection instrument included the socio-demographic information questionnaire for first-degree relatives (FDRs), and the critical care family needs inventory (CCFNI). The data were analyzed using Spearman's correlation coefficient test. The average of the needs of family members of patients hospitalized in the burn ICU in the fields of support, information, proximity, comfort, and assurance were 27.69 (SD=2.45), 62.98 (SD=7.1), 73.79 (SD=3.2), 18.82 (SD=3.35), and 25.26 (SD=2.14), respectively. The most and lowest the needs of family members of patients hospitalized in the burn ICU were in the areas of proximity and comfort, respectively. There was a significant positive relationship between needs and assurance (ρ=0.162, P&lt;0.05), information (ρ=0.264, P&lt;0.05), support (ρ=0.698, P&lt;0.05), proximity (ρ=0.618, P&lt;0.05), and comfort subscales (ρ=0.692, P&lt;0.05). Providing adequate and appropriate support for the burn’s patients and their families, especially by nurses, and noticing their primary needs reduces their anxiety, strengthens their trust in the medical team, enhances the quality of services to the patients and their families, and increases their satisfaction. Therefore, appropriate planning and increasing the workforce in these wards are essential.

Peran Perawat Dengan Pemenuhan Kebutuhan Keluarga Pasien Kritis Di ICU

Introduction: The presence of critical patients being treated in intensive care can hurt on the physical and psychological condition of their families, including lack of attention to personal hygiene, insomnia, decreased appetite, anxiety, depression and post-traumatic syndrome disorder (PTSD). This negative impact can be minimized through the role of nurses by meeting the family's needs while the patient is being treated in the intensive care room. Objective: This research aims to determine the description of meeting the needs of families of critical patients by nurses in the ICU at Ario Wirawan Lung Hospital, Salatiga. Method: The design of this research is descriptive with a survey approach using a questionnaire developed from the Critical Care Family Needs Inventory (CCFNI). The sampling technique used was total sampling with a total of 30 nurses as respondents. The data analysis used is univariate and bivariate. Results: Research shows that the majority of respondents, 60% or 18 nurses, have a good role. On average, the categories for fulfilling the needs of the patient's family carried out by nurses were the same, namely the good and bad categories for 15 respondents or 50%. Bivariate analysis results p value = 0.000 (&lt; 0.05). Conclusion: There is a relationship between the role of nurses and meeting the needs of the families of patients treated in the ICU.

Family Needs and Their Satisfaction in The Intensive Care Unit Hospital University Sains Malaysia (HUSM) Kubang Kerian Kelantan, Malaysia

A holistic approach to critical care nursing requires that the family be included in the plan of care. Once the patient has been admitted to the critical care unit, an assessment of the family provides valuable information for the preparation of the nursing care plan. Therefore, this study intends to gain information about the level of the family need and their satisfaction in the Intensive Care Unit Hospital Universiti Sains Malaysia (HUSM), Kubang Kerian Kelantan, Malaysia. A cross-sectional study design with 111 respondents was selected using convenience sampling. The inclusion criteria: The patient’s family came to accompany them in the ICU ward; volunteer participate in this study. The questionnaire is divided into two sections: Part A: Demographic data and part B: Critical Care Family Needs Inventory (CCFNI) questionnaire was administered to all consenting relatives of ICU patients to determine the family needs. The frequency, mode, mean, standard deviation, and Pearson's correlation coefficient were measured. The correlation analysis revealed a significant positive correlation between family satisfaction and family needs. There was a significant correlation between family satisfaction and family need the p-value is .001. In an intensive care unit, family members' top five needs are support, proximity, comfort, information, and assurance. Support is presently in first place on the ranking. Family needs and satisfaction is commonly taken care of at ICU HUSM. The information gathered can be used to improve ICU services. Therefore, nurses must have trusting relationships with family members and be proactive to contribute to satisfaction.

The effect of short music videos on needs satisfaction and separation anxiety of children's family members during COVID-19: The example of TikTok.

ObjectiveTo investigate the effect of short music videos on needs satisfaction and separation anxiety of the family members of children with congenital heart disease (CHD) in the cardiac intensive care unit (CICU) during the COVID-19 pandemic.MethodsEighty-seven children's family members were divided into the study group and the control group between February 2020 and March 2021. During the COVID-19 pandemic, the participants in the control group were visited by telephone, while the participants in the study group used the TikTok short music video application and WeChat as communication tools. After the intervention, the critical care family needs inventory (CCFNI) and separation anxiety scale (SAS) for all participants were recorded and analyzed.ResultsThere were no statistically significant differences in general characteristics or preintervention data between the two groups. However, the two dimensions of the support scale and information scale of the CCFNI in the study group were significantly different from those in the control group after the intervention (P = 0.008, and P = 0.021, respectively). There were significant differences in the three dimensions of the SAS between the two groups (P = 0.004, P = 0.007, and P = 0.041, respectively).ConclusionThe visiting system of the ICU changed during the COVID-19 pandemic, and the use of the TikTok short music video application and WeChat was conducive to optimizing the CICU ward visiting process, reducing the separation anxiety of the family members of children in the CICU, and improving their needs satisfaction.

Daily Written Care Summaries for Families of Critically Ill Patients: A Randomized Controlled Trial*

To determine the effect of daily written updates on the satisfaction and psychologic symptoms of families of ICU patients. Randomized controlled trial. Single, urban academic medical center. Surrogates of nondecisional, critically ill adults with high risk of mortality ( n = 252) enrolled from June 2019 to January 2021. Usual communication with the medical team with or without written communication detailing the suspected cause and management approach of each ICU problem, updated each day. Participants completed surveys at three time points during the ICU stay: enrollment ( n = 252), 1 week ( n = 229), and 2 weeks ( n = 109) after enrollment. Satisfaction with care was measured using the Critical Care Family Needs Inventory (CCFNI). The presence of anxiety, depression, and acute stress were assessed using the Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale (HADS) and Impact of Events Scale Revised (IES-R). CCFNI, HADS, and IES-R scores were similar among participants assigned to the intervention group and control group upon enrollment and during the first week after enrollment ( p > 0.05). From enrollment to the second week after enrollment, there was an improvement in CCFNI and HADS scores among participants assigned to the intervention group versus the control group. At week 2, CCFNI scores were significantly lower among participants in the intervention group versus the control group, indicating greater satisfaction with care: 15.1 (95% CI, 14.2-16.0) versus 16.4, (95% CI, 15.5-17.3); p = 0.04. In addition, 2 weeks after enrollment, the odds of symptoms of anxiety, depression, and acute stress among participants assigned to the intervention versus control group were 0.16 (95% CI, 0.03-0.82; p = 0.03); 0.15 (95% CI, 0.01-1.87; p = 0.14); and 0.27 (95% CI, 0.06-1.27; p = 0.10), respectively. Written communication improved satisfaction and the emotional well-being of families of critically ill patients, supporting its use as a supplement to traditional communication approaches.

Influence on Depression, Anxiety, and Satisfaction of the Relatives’ Visit to Intensive Care Units prior to Hospital Admission for Elective Cardiac Surgery: A Randomized Clinical Trial

Background Intensive care units (ICUs) may produce stress on the relatives of patients that have long-term physiological and psychological implications. Objectives This study aimed to evaluate the effects of the relatives´ visit prior to hospital admission(s) on the patient's scheduled cardiac surgery regarding depression, anxiety, and satisfaction of the patient's family in an ICU. Methods A randomized clinical trial [NCT03605420] was carried out according to the CONSORT criteria. Thirty-eight relatives of ICU patients were recruited at an ICU and randomized into study groups. Experimental group participants (n = 19) consisted of relatives who received 1 ICU visit prior to the patient's admission. Control group participants (n = 19) consisted of patients' relatives who received standard care alone. A self-report test battery, including the Impact of Event Scale-Revised (IES-R) and the Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale (HADS), was completed by the patient's relative prior to the patient's ICU admission and again three and 90 days after ICU discharge. Furthermore, the Family Satisfaction with Care in the Intensive Care Unit (FS-ICU) and Critical Care Family Needs Inventory (CCFNI) were administered to help determine the respondents' satisfaction three days after the patient's ICU discharge. Results Statistically significant differences in FS-ICU results were found between control and experimental groups; no statistically significant differences were found in IES-R, HADS, and CCFNI results. Thus, members in the control group were more satisfied with the time elapsed to raise their concerns (p=0.005), emotional support provided (p=0.020), quality of care (p=0.035), opportunities to express concerns and ask questions (p=0.005), and general satisfaction with the ICU's decision-making (p=0.003). Conclusions Relatives' satisfaction during patients' ICU admission may be impaired after their prior visit to the hospital admission. Relative's anxiety and depression scores did not seem to be significantly affected. Relatives´ visit prior to elective cardiac surgery hospital admission impaired their satisfaction in an ICU and may not be advisable for healthcare practice.

Jordanian Patients' Family Members Need Perceptions in the Critical Care Settings: Nurses' Perspectives versus Family Members' Perspectives in the Context of Health Informatics.

Background An unexpected hospitalization in any of the Critical Care Units (CCUs) is a stressful condition, not only for patients but also for other family members. Research in this field in Jordan is not available. The main objective of this study was to identify the most important needs as perceived by these family members in the light of this stressful event and compare them with the nurses' perceptions of the importance of these needs and also to determine the perception of the needs' importance with the sociodemographic characteristics of both family members and caring nurses. Methods This was a cross-sectional study conducted in the period between February and August 2020 among adult family members of patients admitted to the CCUs in hospitals of Jordan from all sectors (public, private, and teaching). The “Critical Care Family Needs Inventory (CCFNI)” questionnaire was administered to 82 family members and 99 CCU nurses to determine the importance of the needs on the inventory. The data were analyzed using descriptive statistics. Results The most important need identified by the family members was relevant to the need for proximity (3.64 ± 0.45), followed by information (3.57 ± 0.58), assurance (3.44 ± 0.43), support (3.31 ± 0.62), and comfort (3.21 ± 0.56). Nurses identified the needs for assurance as the highest, followed by information, comfort, and support, whereas proximity was the least need perceived as very important. The top 10 important needs for both family members and nurses were identified. Family members and nurses were only common in 2 of the need statements on the scale. There was no significant association between the sociodemographic characteristics of the sample and the perception of the needs' importance (p=0.05). Conclusion This study has shown that nurses and family members of patients admitted to CCUs have different perspectives relevant to needs' importance. This should warn nurses to set the needs viewed by family members as a priority. Implications. In the CCU settings, in the context of advancing health informatics, families of patients in the ICUs have different needs other than those viewed by nurses. Their needs must be identified and considered.

A cross-sectional study on psychological needs of family members of critically ill inpatients in semi-closed wards and analysis of influence factors

A cross-sectional study on psychological needs of family members of critically ill inpatients in semi-closed wards and analysis of influence factors

Needs of family members of patients admitted to a university hospital critical care unit, Izmir Turkey: comparison of nurse and family perceptions.

Purpose:This study aims to compare the perceptions of nurses and families on the needs of the relatives of the patients in Intensive Care Unit (ICU).MethodsThis cross-sectional study was conducted in the ICU of a university hospital. The study comprised 213 critical care patients’ relatives and 54 nurses working in the same ICU. Data were collected using the Turkish version of Critical Care Family Needs Inventory (CCFNI) and a questionnaire on the characteristics of the participants. The difference between the perceptions of families and nurses was analyzed using Student t-test. Results: CCFNI’s assurance/proximity subscale mean scores ranked first among bothpatients and nurses. The item “To be assured the best care possible is being given to the patient” was the top priority for both groups. Mean assurance/proximity and information dimensions of relatives were significantly higher compared to nurses (p < 0.001). No significant difference was found between the perception of patient relatives and nurses related to support and comfort dimensions (p < 0.05).ConclusionThe needs of the relatives of patients are underestimated by nurses. This inhibited the performance of ICU nurses in line with the holistic care approach. Educational objectives that include the needs of ICU patients’ relatives should be incorporated into the undergraduate and in-service training of nurses. Policies should be established to create space and time for effective relative-nurse communication.

Diacritics: An Important Strategy for Proper Validation of the Arabic Version of the Critical Care Family Needs Inventory.

Researchers studied the needs of family members using different tools particularly the Critical Care Family Needs Inventory (CCFNI). The purpose of current study was to validate the Arabic version of the CCFNI. A jury of experts helped establish content validity of best translated version. Live testing of the revised instrument with a sample of nurses and family members helped ensure its validity and internal consistency reliability. The Content Validity Index indicated an acceptable relevancy and clarity of the translated version. After introducing diacritic to wordings, clarity and readability were ensured by a pilot test with a sample of 22 critical care nurses and 21 family members. Live testing the instrument asserted its discriminant validity where family members (n = 227) ranked total needs higher than nurses (n = 217) (t = 124.2 (df = 442), p < .001). After using of diacritics, the new modified Arabic version can be used confidently as a valid and reliable measure of family needs.

Comparing the Perceptions of Nurses and Patients’ Families About the Expectations of Patients’ Families in Intensive Care Unit

Background: Properly identifying the expectations of family members of patients admitted to Intensive Care Units (ICUs) is a necessity for nurses. Objective The present study aimed to determine and compare the expectations of ICU patients’ families according to the perceptions of ICU nurses and family members. Methods: In this descriptive-analytical study, 147 families of ICU patients and 137 ICU nurses of hospitals in Qazvin were selected as study samples through a census method. Data were collected using Molter’s Critical Care Family Needs Inventory (CCFNI), and data analysis was performed using the Pearson correlation test, one-way ANOVA and chi-square at a significant level of P&lt;0.05. Findings: The overall score of CCFNI and its subscales for the family members were significantly higher than in the nurses (P&lt;0.001). The degree of importance and prioritization of family expectations were different between patients’ families and nurses. The reason for patient hospitalization had a significant association with the overall score of CCFNI and its subscales. Moreover, the family history of hospitalization showed a significant correlation with the CCFNI subscales of information and proximity (P&lt;0.05). The age and work experience of nurses had a significant association with the CCFNI subscales of information, assurance, and comfort (P&lt;0.05). Conclusion: Family members of ICU patients and nurses have different perceptions of the expectations of patients’ families. Nurses need to consider the expectations of patients’ family members.

34 Family Needs of Adult &amp; Pediatric Burn Patients

Abstract Introduction Family members play a significant role in recovery of the burn patient (Goyata &amp; Rosi, 2009). A better understanding of their specific needs can greatly influence a burn patient’s rehabilitation and family adaptation during recovery. Prior research has identified family needs of critically ill patients (Hinkle 2009; Kinrade, 2009); few studies have looked at the specific needs in adult versus pediatric burn patients and whether these needs change throughout the course of hospitalization. The purpose of this study is to explore the needs of family members of burn patients to identify similarities and differences between adult and pediatric populations in order to aid nurses in prioritizing care instructions for burn families. Methods This IRB approved descriptive repeated measures study took place in a 12-bed burn center. 64 family members (39 adult; 25 pediatric) of burn patients participated. The 45-item Critical Care Family Needs Inventory (CCFNI) identified family member’s psychosocial needs related to assurance, information, proximity, comfort, &amp; support on admission (ADM) and prior to discharge (DC). Descriptive statistics summarized study participant characteristics. T-test &amp; chi-square techniques determined similarities and differences in adult and pediatric family members’ needs perceptions during the hospital stay. Results Majority of respondents were female (84%) often mother or spouse/significant other; age &amp;lt; 40yrs (96% peds; 64% adults). CCFNI scores were similar in adult vs. peds family members: ADM (3.27 vs 3.37), DC (2.91 vs 3.29). Assurance needs were greatest; self-care needs were least important. Adult family member needs for information, proximity and comfort decreased significantly from ADM to DC (p 0.05) but assurance needs were unchanged. Peds family member needs for assurance, information, proximity and comfort did not change from ADM to DC. Pediatric family needs remained “important to very important” throughout the stay while adult family member needs decreased in importance. Conclusions Identifying needs of family members of burn victims in the Burn ICU allows for early assessment and can aid in developing specific individualized plans for successful transition upon discharge. These findings can help nurses best meet the needs of the family &amp; promote patient &amp; family centered care. Applicability of Research to Practice Findings from this study can help inform the development of approaches to better understand the particular needs of family members and develop strategies to address those needs.

Hearing the unheard: Amplifying the voices of relatives with critically-ill patients in intensive care unit

This study aimed to explore on the needs of relatives of critically ill patients and the entirety of their lived experiences accompanying a relative admitted in an Intensive Care Unit. Descriptive comparative design was used in the quantitative part and descriptive phenomenological approach was employed on the qualitative part. The respondents were selected using purposive sampling technique. The study was conducted in selected hospitals in the province of Rizal wherein Critical Care Family Needs Inventory (CCFNI) as the main tool was utilized. The study unfolded that no significant difference exists among the responses on the perceived needs with respondent's relationship to the patient and respondent's patient disease classification as the intervening variables. The qualitative part made use of an unstructured interview guide; after a careful analysis using Colaizzi's method, six (6) themes emerged, namely: (1) Entering the ICU: A Gate to Sorrow, (2) The Call: Fight or Flight, (3) Money Matters: The One that Bothers, (4) Before It's Late: Say It Straight, (5) A place to Stay: A Need I Pray, and (6) Horrible Nightmare: Nothing Compares, that describe the overall experiences of the participants in their stressful voyage accompanying a critically ill family member.

Satisfaction, Anxiety, Depression and Stress among Family Members of Patients in Malaysian Intensive Care Unit

Introduction: Family satisfaction has been identified as a quality indicator in critical care area. The impact of family satisfaction level was also found to be associated with symptoms of psychological distress such as anxiety, depression and stress among family members. We evaluated the satisfaction level and prevalence, risk factor and correlation of psychological distress symptoms with the satisfaction level among family members in Malaysian Intensive Care Unit (ICU). Materials and Method: This is a cross-sectional, multicentre study conducted in ICU at Hospital Sultanah Aminah Johor Bahru and International Islamic University Medical Centre. Family members were enrolled 3 days after ICU admission, and they completed a modified version of Critical Care Family Needs Inventory (CCFNI) and the Depression, Anxiety and Stress Scales (DASS). Results: A total of 176 family members were enrolled in this study. We found 116 (66%) of the family members scores ≥ 3 denoting satisfaction with the mean CCFNI score was 3.11 (SD=0.3). Prevalence of depression, anxiety and stress were of 30.1%, 41.4% and 28.9% respectively. Risk factor for psychological distress symptoms were female sex, spousal relationship, lower education, median income less than RM 4000, staying with patient and younger patient age. Negative correlation between depression, anxiety and stress with CCFNI score were found (p&lt; 0.05) but with low correlation coefficient (r=-0.178 to -0.209). Family members without symptoms of psychological distress were more satisfied (higher CCFNI score) with ICU care compared to those with symptoms of psychological distress (p&lt; 0.05). Conclusion: Family members of ICU patient were satisfied with the care provided in the ICU. High rates of psychological distress symptoms in this study and its correlation with the satisfaction level highlight the need to identify and implement preventive and management strategies for family members to improve the overall ICU care.

Essential Care Needs for Patients' Family Members at the Intensive Care Units in Palestine.

Background:Understanding the needs of families of hospital patients, especially those in intensive care units is key to providing comprehensive, effective support. The aim of this study is to determine the needs of families of Intensive Care Unit (ICU) patients in four Palestinian hospitals.Materials and Methods:This was a cross-sectional, analytic study including 240 participants selected using convenience sampling. Data was obtained from participants from September 2016 to April 2018. The Critical Care Family Needs Inventory (CCFNI) was distributed to examine their needs. Descriptive analysis, t-tests, and Analysis of Variance (ANOVA) were conducted to analyze relationships between demographic characteristics of respondents and their needs. Differences were considered significant at p < 0.05.Results:The results revealed that the assurance domain was the most important, but participants had some unmet needs from the support domain. Parents reported higher levels of importance of all needs than other types of relatives of patients. In addition, participants with a higher level of education reported a significantly higher level of importance in the dimensions of assurance (F3,236= 2.85, p = 0.038), proximity (F3,236= 4.36, p = 0.006), and support (F3,236= 4.13, p = 0.007). Also, married participants had a higher need for all dimensions. Family members of patients who stayed more than 7 days had higher needs for support (F2,237= 3.39, p = 0.035) and comfort (F2,237= 3.92, p = 0.021).Conclusions:Family members of ICU patients have certain unmet needs, which require attention from healthcare professionals and administration in Palestinian hospitals. In addition, sociodemographic variables influence family member needs.

Effects of a visit prior to hospital admission on anxiety, depression and satisfaction of patients in an intensive care unit

ObjectivesTo assess the effects of a vists prior to hospital admission on anxiety, depression and satisfaction of patients admitted electively to an intensive care unit (ICU). DesignA randomised clinical trial [NCT03605407]. SettingA sample of 38 patients was recruited who were to be electively admiited to ICU divided into experimental (n = 19 patients receiving one visit prior to hospital ICU admission for surgery) and control (n = 19 patients not receiving a visit prior to hospital ICU admission for surgery) groups. Main outcome measurementsHospital Anxiety and Depression Scale (HADS) and Impact of Event Scale-Revised (IES-R) were self-reported by patients before ICU admission, at 3-days and 90-days after ICU discharge. Critical Care Family Needs Inventory (CCFNI) and Family Satisfaction with Care in the Intensive Care Unit (FS-ICU) were used to measure the users’ satisfaction before ICU admission and 3-days after ICU discharge. ResultsThere were statistically significant differences between experimental and control groups for FS-ICU, but not for HADS, IES-R and CCFNI. Indeed, control group patients were more satisfied with regard to emotional support, ease of getting information, control feeling, concerns and questions expression ability and overall score for decision-making satisfaction. ConclusionsThe visit prior to hospital admission did not seem to modify anxiety or depression, but may impair satisfaction of ICU patients.

Needs and related factors of parents of congenital heart disease infants

Objective To describe needs and related factors of congenital heart disease(CHD) infant′s parents and discuss interventions to satisfy parent′s needs. Methods A descriptive design was conducted. After convenience sampling, a total of 152 fathers or mothers of CHD infants was surveyed. Critical Care Family Needs Inventory (CCFNI) was used for the survey. Results The mean score of perception of CHD infants′ parents of their own needs was 3.30±0.48. Among the five subscales assurance emerged the highest scores (3.74±0.35) as the most important factor, followed by information (3.54±0.43), proximity (3.51±0.50), and comfort (2.98±0.66), with considerably less importantattached to support (2.96±0.69). Residence of the family, history of hospitalization during pregnancy, time of diagnose and age of the parents were related to needs of parents(t=2.01-4.37, F=2.94-4.69, P<0.05 or 0.01). Conclusions The overall needs of CHD infants′ parents are considered at a higher level. Doctors and nurses should increase effective communication with parents and satisfy parents needs correspondingly, thus to promote CHD infants and their parents′ health. Key words: Congenital heart disease; Infants; Parent′s need

Satisfaction of family members of critically ill patients admitted to a public hospital intensive care unit and correlated factors.

ObjectiveTo analyze the satisfaction, medical situation understanding and symptoms of anxiety and depression in family members of patients admitted to the intensive care unit.MethodsThe family members of patients who were hospitalized for ≥ 72 hours were invited to participate in the study, which was performed in a public hospital. Questionnaires were answered to assess the understanding of the diagnosis, treatment and prognosis, and the support received in the intensive care unit. The family needs were also evaluated using a modified version of the Critical Care Family Needs Inventory (CCFNI). The Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale (HADS) was used to assess the symptoms of anxiety and depression.ResultsA total of 35 family members were interviewed within the patients' first week of stay in the intensive care unit. Most patients (57.1%) were male, aged 54 ± 19 years. Sepsis was the main reason for admission to the intensive care unit (40%); the median of the Simplified Acute Physiology Score (SAPS) 3 was 68 (48 - 77), and 51.4% of the patients died in the intensive care unit. The majority of the family members were female (74.3%) and were sons or daughters of patients (54.3%), with a mean age of 43.2 ± 14 years. Overall, 77.1% of the family members were satisfied with the intensive care unit. A total of 37.1% of the family members did not understand the prognosis. Receiving clear and complete information in the intensive care unit and the doctor being accessible were factors that were significantly correlated with the overall family satisfaction. The prevalence of symptoms of anxiety (60%) and depression (54.3%) in the family members was high.ConclusionThe emotional distress of family members is high during a patient's hospitalization in the intensive care unit, although satisfaction is also high. Clear and complete information provided by the intensivist and the support received in the intensive care unit are significantly correlated with the satisfaction of family members in a public hospital.

Family Needs of Patients Admitted to the Intensive Care Units

Background and aims: Organizational support of family members of the patients admitted to intensive care units (ICUs) potentially reduces mental stresses and enables them to better comply with and support the patients. The current study aimed at evaluating the needs of families of the patients admitted to ICUs in teaching hospitals of Iran. Methods: This cross-sectional study was conducted in 2015 using convenience sampling method. The Critical Care Family Needs Inventory (CCFNI) in 5 factors was used as a main data collection tool. The study population included 235 family members of the patients. Results: Total score of CCFNI was 132.32±18.46. Needs of family members of ICU patients decreased 0.428 times following the increase of length of stay in ICU (P&lt;0.001). Moreover, the need for supportive cares was significantly 9.273 times lower among illiterate families, compared with the ones with higher education level (P&lt;0.018). Conclusion: Considering that the highest need was in the area of support and the predictors of the family needs of the patients were the duration of hospitalization and the educational status of their families, the main focus of nurses should be on the support of family members of the patients admitted to the ICU and supporting and paying attention to their needs, who experience stressful conditions, to satisfy them and even to encourage them to give better care to the patient and help health care staff.