Perceived needs of families of long-term critical care patients: a brief report.
OBJECTIVE
To determine if families of long-term critical care patients have needs different from those of families of short-term critical care patients.


METHODS
Ex post facto, descriptive, convenience sample.


METHODS
Southeastern community-based medical centers.


METHODS
Twenty-six family members of patients in surgical intensive care units (SICU) for a minimum of 2 weeks. Age range was 20 to 73 years with a median of 48.19 years.


METHODS
Molter's Critical Care Family Needs Instrument administered to a relative of a patient in the SICU for 2 weeks or more.


RESULTS
The needs of families were very similar to the previously reported needs of families who had members in critical care units for short periods of time (3 to 4 days). The desire for information remained the number one need.


CONCLUSIONS
These findings suggest that family needs remain constant and continue in a crisis mode regardless of the length of time a family member may be a patient in the SICU. Recognition of these continuing needs will assist nurses in relating to the families of long-term critical care patients.
Davis-Martin
S
S
University of Florida.
D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D003142:Communication; D005190:Family / Q000523:psychology*; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D007362:Intensive Care Units; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D011368:Professional-Family Relations; D013997:Time Factors