Family Presence in the Adult ICU During Bedside Procedures. (July 2019)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Jakab, Marnie; Day, Alex Z.; Kraguljac, Alan; Brown, Maedean; Mehta, Sangeeta
• Is Part Of: Journal of intensive care medicine. Volume 34:Number 7(2019)
• Page Start: 587
• Page End: 593
• Publication Date: 2019-07
• Subjects: intensive care unit -- family presence -- procedures -- Impact of Events Scale Revised -- family perspective -- questionnaire; Critical care medicine -- Periodicals; Critical Care -- Periodicals; Soins intensifs -- Périodiques; Soins intensifs; Périodique électronique (Descripteur de forme); Ressource Internet (Descripteur de forme); 616.02805
• DOI: 10.1177/0885066617705857
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 0885-0666

Abstract

Purpose: To understand perspectives of family members of adult patients admitted to the medical–surgical intensive care unit (ICU) regarding their presence during procedures. Methods: Respondents completed a questionnaire about procedures the patient had undergone, their desire to be present, and their experience. Procedures of interest were endotracheal intubation; chest compressions; vascular catheter insertion; and gastric, chest, and rectal tubes. Impact of Events Scale–Revised (IES-R) was completed at the time of questionnaire completion and again 1 month later to evaluate the psychological impact of witnessing a procedure. Results: Ninety-seven respondents completed the questionnaire on behalf of 72 patients. More than 90% patients had at least 1 procedure. Only 29 (30%) family members were present for at least 1 procedure, and 44% to 100% wished to be present. Of the 68 respondents not present for a procedure, 18 (26.5%) wanted to be present. The IES-R was completed by 52 (95%) of 55 respondents who witnessed any procedure at time 1 and 28 (51%) of 55 respondents at time 2; mean IES-R scores were 8.0 and 8.8 ( P = .68), respectively. Only 2 participants had IES-R >33, signifying the likely presence of posttraumatic stress disorder. Conclusion: Family members wish to be present for ICU procedures, and there are no adverse psychological effects.