Family Satisfaction With End-of-Life Care in the Intensive Care Unit

Abstract

Families can provide valuable insight and information on the quality of care provided in the ICU at end of life. Their perceptions of communication, decision making, nursing care, the ICU environment, and spiritual support strongly influence their satisfaction or dissatisfaction with end-of-life care in the ICU. Personalized and frequent communication; assistance in the decision-making process; compassionate nursing care; a warm, family-friendly environment; and spiritual support can help alleviate the sequelae and enhance family satisfaction with end-of-life care in the ICU.