Family satisfaction with care in the intensive care unit: results of a multiple center study.
OBJECTIVE
To determine the level of satisfaction of family members with the care that they and their critically ill relative received.


METHODS
Prospective cohort study.


METHODS
Six university-affiliated intensive care units across Canada.


METHODS
We administered a validated questionnaire to family members who made at least one visit to intensive care unit patients who received mechanical ventilation for >48 hrs. We obtained self-rated levels of satisfaction with 25 key aspects of care related to the overall intensive care unit experience, communication, and decision making. For family members of survivors, the questionnaire was administered while the patient was still in the hospital. For family members of nonsurvivors, the questionnaire was mailed out to the family member 3-4 wks after the patient's death.


RESULTS
A total of 891 family members received questionnaires; 624 were returned (70% response rate). The majority of respondents were satisfied with overall care and with overall decision making (mean +/- sd item score, 84.3 +/- 15.7 and 75.9 +/- 26.4, respectively). Families reported the greatest satisfaction with nursing skill and competence (92.4 +/- 14.0), the compassion and respect given to the patient (91.8 +/- 15.4), and pain management (89.1 +/- 16.7). They were least satisfied with the waiting room atmosphere (65.0 +/- 30.6) and frequency of physician communication (70.7 +/- 29.0). The variables significantly associated with overall satisfaction in a regression analysis were completeness of information received, respect and compassion shown to the patient and family member, and the amount of health care received. Satisfaction varied significantly across sites.


CONCLUSIONS
Most family members were highly satisfied with the care provided to them and their critically ill relative in the intensive care unit. Efforts to improve the nature of interactions and communication with families are likely to lead to improvements in satisfaction.
Departments of Medicine, Kingston General Hospital, Kingston, Ontario, Canada. dkh2@post.queensu.ca
Daren K
DK
Heyland
Graeme M
GM
Rocker
Peter M
PM
Dodek
Demetrios J
DJ
Kutsogiannis
Elsie
E
Konopad
Deborah J
DJ
Cook
Sharon
S
Peters
Joan E
JE
Tranmer
Christopher J
CJ
O'Callaghan
D003258:Consumer Behavior; D003422:Critical Care / Q000592:standards*; D005190:Family; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D007362:Intensive Care Units / Q000592:standards*; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D011446:Prospective Studies; D015203:Reproducibility of Results; D011795:Surveys and Questionnaires