The objective of this focus group study was to describe the communication experiences of families who have had members die in the ICU. Eligible participants were contacted by phone; 8 agreed to participate and arrived for the session. Participants completed a Family Loss Questionnaire (short-answer or close-ended questions about the deceased and about the participant). The Family Interview Guide was semi-structured allowing flexibility in scope and depth. Topics probed were: expectations of care providers, emotional responses, and how the care could have been more helpful. The analysis of the focus group interviews was conducted according to Morse and Field's guidelines for content analysis. Communication, or its lack, emerged as a consistent theme in the stories. Some reported that their questions regarding treatment and prognosis went unanswered because the physician had no time to talk. They relied on nurses to keep them informed of the patient's condition and reactions, but after the fact some voiced a need for more detailed explanations of care procedures and consequences. When the physician was available to the family, options for treatment were presented and discussed, and family decisions honored, the family members expressed confidence that the best possible outcome had been achieved. Where the family member felt questions had gone unanswered or explanations were lacking, regrets and doubts lingered. It was important to families that communication be early, consistent, and frequent. Communication across settings as the patient moved through them was also very important.
Learning Objectives: 1.Describe communication experiences of families who have had members die in the ICU
Keywords: Elderly, Hospitals
Presenting author's disclosure statement:
Organization/institution whose products or services will be discussed: None
I do not have any significant financial interest/arrangement or affiliation with any organization/institution whose products or services are being discussed in this session.