Measuring satisfaction in family members of critically ill cancer patients in Brazil.
OBJECTIVE
To assess the determinants for satisfaction of cancer patients' family members with the intensive care unit.


METHODS
Prospective cohort study.


METHODS
A 13-bed intensive care unit in a tertiary cancer centre.


METHODS
164 families of consecutive patients with a length of stay greater than 48 h.


METHODS
None.


METHODS
A modified version of the Critical Care Family Needs Inventory was applied and compared with the families' perception of prognosis, previous information given to them, and patients' severity of disease (SAPS).


RESULTS
The median score of the questionnaire was 11 (2-14), and the cut-off for satisfaction was established at 9 (1st quartile). SAPS >41 was associated with lower satisfaction [(p<0.05, chi-square, OR 2.49 (CI 1.1-5.4)]. When those interviewed surmised a prognosis different from the final outcome [p<0.05, chi-square, OR 2.70 (1.2-6.0)], a significant association with dissatisfaction was found.


CONCLUSIONS
More discussion about prognosis may improve the level of satisfaction of cancer patients' family members with the intensive care unit.
Fumis
Renata Rego Lins
RR
Unidade de Terapia Intensiva, Centro de Tratamento e Pesquisa Hospital do Câncer, Rua Prof. Antonio Prudente 211, CEP 01509-900 São Paulo, SP, Brazil.
Nishimoto
Inês Nobuko
IN
Deheinzelin
Daniel
D
D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D000369:Aged, 80 and over; D001938:Brazil; D032882:Comprehension; D003258:Consumer Behavior; D003422:Critical Care; D005190:Family; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D007362:Intensive Care Units; D016015:Logistic Models; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D009369:Neoplasms; D011368:Professional-Family Relations; D011379:Prognosis; D011446:Prospective Studies