The Effect of a Multifaceted Family Participation Program in an Adult Cardiovascular Surgery ICU

Abstract

Objectives: To develop and implement a patient- and family-centered care program for patients in a cardiovascular surgery ICU.

Design: Prospective, pre- and postintervention evaluations were conducted.

Setting: The cardiovascular surgery ICU was located in a tertiary hospital.

Participants: Participants included 56 family members of patients in cardiovascular surgery ICU between May and July 2019.

Interventions: Providing personalized treatment plans for patients by: 1) providing an ICU diary, 2) communicating with the medical staff, 3) providing personal care using ICU visitation kit, and 4) guiding bedside range of motion exercises. The experimental group received a guided ICU diary and education program from a nurse, including the application of a family participation visitation program. Family members were provided with customized information from the ICU diary and communicated with the medical staff for approximately 10 minutes. Family members were instructed on how to perform personal care using an "ICU visitation kit" during visitation hours when permitted to participate in bedside activities for approximately 10-minute intervals.

Measurements and main results: Scores for satisfaction with the provided care and information increased significantly for the experimental group compared with the control group (t = 8.62; p < 0.001). Anxiety levels decreased significantly after intervention in both groups (t = -7.05; p < 0.001 and t = -12.94; p < 0.001) with a significant association observed between group and time point (F = 20.50; p < 0.001). However, no significant change was observed in satisfaction with decision-making following intervention in either group, and no significant association was noted between groups and time points for this variable (F = 0.24; p = 0.626).

Conclusions: This set of implemented family participation processes significantly improved satisfaction and reduced anxiety in family members of critically ill patients.