Perceived needs of the family members in the critical care waiting room

Abstract

Family needs during the critical care experience of an adult member was the focus of this descriptive exploratory study conducted with 94 family members. The study describes the perceived needs of family members during the first 18 to 24 hours after admission of a patient to the critical care unit. The article further identifies the order in which the family perceived those needs to be met 36 to 48 hours after admission of that patient. Family members of adult patients completed a three-part instrument, which consisted of the Demographics Data Questionnaire, the Critical Care Family Needs Inventory (CCFNI), and the Needs Met Inventory (NMI). Items with which the family strongly agreed are discussed. The correlation between the CCFNI and the NMI is explicated. Also, the unusual finding of an inverse relationship between education and comfort/support statements is presented.