Date of Award
11-15-2023
Document Type
Dissertation
Degree Name
Master of Science in Nursing (MScN)
First Supervisor/Advisor
Dr. Rubina Barolia
Department
School of Nursing and Midwifery, Pakistan
Abstract
Background: The admission of patients to the ICU is a distressing emergency. Family members of ICU patients suffer from anxiety and depression compounded by disrupted routines and role conflicts. Nurses often prioritise patient care over family support, while the family goes ignored. The family members staying in hospital have different physical and psychological needs. Family members frequently bear the responsibility of making critical decisions for the patients. The unmet important family needs add to their stress and anxiety.
Purpose: This study aimed to assess the self-perceived importance of family needs in the ICU using the CCFNI Scale and identifying socio-demographic factors influencing CCFNI scores.
Method: An analytical cross-sectional design was used to assess the important family needs. A sample of 150 participants was conveniently recruited from three ICUs in a tertiary care hospital. The data was collected using a reliable and validated tool CCFNI. The results were analysed using SPSS V.26, incorporating both descriptive and inferential statistics, with a linear regression model employed to determine the association between dependent and independent variables.
Findings: The major findings revealed that ‘To be assured that the best care possible is being given to the patient’ (3.83 +0.445) was the most important need of the family members. The most important domain of needs of the family members identified was the domain of assurance (3.70 +0.391), followed by information (3.37 +0.541), and comfort (3.37 +0.582). The socio-demographic characteristics of Age, Gender, Marital Status, Education, Relationship with the Patient, Number of Hours Participants Stay in the Hospital and Distance from home to hospital were the significant predictors of the CCFNI score.
Conclusion: This study underscores the importance of a patient and family-centred care approach in healthcare, highlighting the role of cultural and demographic factors. Policy changes, like flexible visiting hours, can better address family needs, impacting patient recovery and well-being.
Recommended Citation
Ali, T. (2023). Family needs of patients admitted to intensive care units at a tertiary care hospital, Karachi, Pakistan an analytical cross-sectional study (Unpublished master's dissertation). Aga Khan University, Karachi, Pakistan.