Culturaly diverse family members and their hospitalised relatives in acute care wards: a qualitative study.
OBJECTIVE
To describe the experiences of culturally diverse family members who make the decision to stay with their relatives in acute care wards.


METHODS
A qualitative descriptive study.


METHODS
Medical and surgical wards in an acute care hospital with a 70% non-English speaking background patient population.


METHODS
Eight culturally diverse family members who stayed with their hospitalised relatives for at least four shifts or the equivalent hours.


METHODS
In-depth interviews of approximately 45 minutes.


RESULTS
Three main categories described the experience of family members. These categories were carrying out in-hospital roles, adhering to ward rules, and facing concerns.


CONCLUSIONS
Findings indicate nurses and family members could benefit from negotiating active partnerships; family friendly ward environments need to be fostered, supported by appropriate policies; and further research is needed into culturally diverse family members' partnerships with nurses in acute care settings.
Cioffi
Jane
J
School of Nursing, University of Western Sydney, Australia. j.cioffi@uws.edu.au
D000208:Acute Disease; D000223:Adaptation, Psychological; D001315:Australia; D018864:Cultural Diversity; D005195:Family Relations; D019983:Guideline Adherence; D007722:Health Knowledge, Attitudes, Practice; D006801:Humans; D007297:Inpatients / Q000523:psychology; D036301:Qualitative Research; D012380:Role; D014789:Visitors to Patients / Q000523:psychology*