The impact of visiting restrictions in intensive care units for families during the COVID-19 pandemic: An integrative review

Abstract

Aim: To synthesize current evidence about the impact visiting restrictions in adult intensive care units have on family members during the COVID-19 pandemic.

Design: Integrative literature review.

Methods: A total of 104 articles were retrieved. Screening yielded a total of 23 articles which were appraised for quality. Reflexive thematic analysis was applied to synthesize findings and extract themes.

Data sources: CINAHL Plus, Ovid MEDLINE, PubMed and ProQuest databases were searched for articles between January 2020 and November 2022.

Results: The findings were grouped into two main themes with six subthemes. Theme 1: not being present at the bedside, and Theme 2: altered communication added to family members' distress. Findings indicate that visiting restrictions imposed during the COVID-19 pandemic had negative consequences for family members.

Conclusion: The patient and their family are inherently connected, prioritizing family presence with the return of flexible, open visitation policies in ICU must be a priority to mitigate further harm and adverse outcomes for all.

Reporting method: The review complies with the PRISMA guidelines for reporting systematic reviews.

Implications for profession: Nursing leaders must be included in the development of future pandemic policies that advocate family-centred care.

No patient or public contribution: No patient or public contribution was included in this review.

Keywords: Adult Nursing; Anxiety; COVID-19 pandemic; Family care; Nurse - Patient interaction; Patient Advocacy.