A qualitative study to establish the self-perceived needs of family members of patients in a general intensive care unit.
Admission to an intensive care unit (ICU) invariably causes a considerable degree of distress and anxiety to both patient and family. If we profess to deliver holistic care then it is essential that intensive care nurses are able to identify the specific needs of family members and provide appropriate supportive interventions. This small study was designed to gain the perspectives of the families. Through unstructured interviews participants were invited to discuss their experiences of visiting a critically ill relative, particularly in relationship to their own needs. Interviews were tape-recorded with permission and subsequently transcribed. Thematic content analysis adapted from Glaser & Strauss' 'grounded theory' approach (1967) by Burnard (1991) occurred, with formation of six categories, exemplified by verbatim quotations. The study may contribute towards a framework for preventative, supportive and therapeutic intervention with family members in the intensive care setting.
Wilkinson
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D001294:Attitude to Health; D005190:Family / Q000523:psychology*; D006301:Health Services Needs and Demand; D006801:Humans; D007362:Intensive Care Units; D015404:Nursing Methodology Research; D011795:Surveys and Questionnaires