Measuring Outcomes of an Intensive Care Unit Family Diary Program

Truong-Giang Huynh; Miranda Covalesky; Samantha Sinclair; Heather Gunter; Tamara Norton; Alice Chen; Cassia Yi

doi:10.4037/aacnacc2017862

Measuring Outcomes of an Intensive Care Unit Family Diary Program

AACN Adv Crit Care. 2017 Summer;28(2):179-190. doi: 10.4037/aacnacc2017862.

Authors

Truong-Giang Huynh¹, Miranda Covalesky¹, Samantha Sinclair¹, Heather Gunter¹, Tamara Norton¹, Alice Chen¹, Cassia Yi¹

Affiliation

¹ Truong-Giang Huynh is ICU Assistant Nurse Manager, Jacobs Medical Center, University of California, San Diego Health, 9300 Campus Point Drive, La Jolla, CA 92037 (Tth013@ucsd.edu). Miranda Covalesky is Clinical Nurse II, Jacobs Medical Center, University of California, San Diego Health, La Jolla, California. Samantha Sinclair is Clinical Nurse II, Jacobs Medical Center, University of California, San Diego Health, La Jolla, California. Heather Gunter is Clinical Nurse III, Sulpizio Cardiovascular Center, University of California, San Diego Health, La Jolla, California. Tamara Norton is Clinical Nurse III, Sulpizio Cardiovascular Center, University of California, San Diego Health, La Jolla, California. Alice Chen is Clinical Nurse III, Jacobs Medical Center, University of California, San Diego Health, La Jolla, California. Cassia Yi is Critical Care Clinical Nurse Specialist, Sulpizio Cardiovascular Center, University of California, San Diego Health, La Jolla, California.

PMID: 28592478
DOI: 10.4037/aacnacc2017862

Abstract

Patients discharged from intensive care units are at risk of short- and long-term physical, cognitive, and emotional symptoms known as post-intensive care syndrome. Family members of intensive care unit patients are at risk of similar symptoms known as post-intensive care syndrome-family. Both syndromes are common, and strategies to reduce risk factors should be employed. An intensive care unit diary project to help reduce these syndromes was implemented in 2 intensive care units using an evidence-based framework. The effects of these diaries were studied using the Family Satisfaction with Care in the Intensive Care Unit survey. Rates of referrals to a postintensive care unit recovery clinic were also observed in relation to the diaries. Although preliminary data did not reveal a significant increase in family satisfaction, the surveys provided important staff feedback. The diaries fostered feelings of compassion and caring as well as built trust between staff and family members of intensive care unit patients. The diaries increased referrals to the postintensive care unit recovery clinic.

Keywords: critical care; diary; family satisfaction; family-centered care; post–intensive care syndrome–family.

MeSH terms

Adult
Aged
Aged, 80 and over
Critical Care / psychology*
Critical Illness / psychology*
Family / psychology*
Female
Humans
Male
Medical Records*
Middle Aged
Outcome Assessment, Health Care
Stress, Psychological*