title: The EPICS Family Bundle and its effects on stress and coping of families of critically ill trauma patients.
abstract: OBJECTIVE
  The aim of this study was to evaluate impact of the EPICS Family Bundle on stress and coping.
  
  
  BACKGROUND
  Critical care nurses frequently deal with family stress, but may be without knowledge and skills needed to assist families to cope.
  
  
  METHODS
  A non-equivalent control group design was used, with a convenience sample of 84 family members of critically ill patients. During the control phase, participants completed tools measuring stress and coping. The intervention included use of the EPICS Family Bundle. After implementation, participants completed the same tools as those administered during the control phase. Outcomes were analyzed using independent-sample t-tests.
  
  
  RESULTS
  The experimental group had a significantly higher coping score on two subscales; and although not statistically significant, it was also improved on an additional four.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  After implementation of the intervention, families experienced improved coping. The study may have lacked sufficient power to detect all differences.
authors.affiliation: University of Florida College of Nursing, PO Box 100187, Gainesville, FL 32606, USA. sjknapp@ufl.edu
authors.forename: Sandra J
authors.initials: SJ
authors.lastname: Knapp
authors.forename: Mary Lou
authors.initials: ML
authors.lastname: Sole
authors.forename: Jacqueline Fowler
authors.initials: JF
authors.lastname: Byers
mesh_terms: D000223:Adaptation, Psychological; D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D000369:Aged, 80 and over; D016638:Critical Illness; D005190:Family / Q000523:psychology*; D005260:Female; D005431:Florida; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D013315:Stress, Psychological; D014947:Wounds and Injuries / Q000523:psychology*; D055815:Young Adult