Family participation in intensive care unit rounds: Comparing family and provider perspectives

J Crit Care. 2017 Apr:38:132-136. doi: 10.1016/j.jcrc.2016.10.020. Epub 2016 Nov 4.

Abstract

Purpose: To describe and compare intensive care unit (ICU) patient family member and provider experiences, preferences, and perceptions of family participation in ICU rounds.

Methods: Cross-sectional survey of ICU family members and providers of patients admitted to 4 medical-surgical ICUs from September 2014 to March 2015.

Measurements and main results: Surveys were completed by 63 (62%) family members and 258 (43%) providers. Provider respondents included physicians (9%), nurses (56%), respiratory therapists (24%), and other ICU team members (11%). Although 38% of providers estimated only moderate family member interest in participating in rounds, 97% of family members expressed high interest. Family members and providers reported listening (95% vs 96%; P=.594) and sharing information about the patient (82% vs 82%; P=.995) as appropriate roles for family members during rounds, but differed in their perceptions on asking questions (75% vs 86%; P=.043) and participating in decision making (36% vs 59%; P=.003). Compared with family members, providers were more likely to perceive family participation in rounds to cause family stress (7% vs 22%; P=.020) and confusion (0% vs 28%; P<.001).

Conclusion: Family members and providers share some perspectives on family participation in ICU rounds although other perspectives are discordant, with implications for communication strategies and collaborative decision making.

Keywords: Communication; Family; Intensive care units.

Publication types

  • Comparative Study

MeSH terms

  • Adult
  • Aged
  • Alberta
  • Attitude of Health Personnel*
  • Attitude to Health*
  • Critical Care
  • Critical Illness*
  • Decision Making*
  • Family / psychology*
  • Female
  • Humans
  • Intensive Care Units
  • Male
  • Middle Aged
  • Professional-Family Relations*
  • Surveys and Questionnaires
  • Teaching Rounds