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. 2014 Sep-Oct;43(5):406-15.
doi: 10.1016/j.hrtlng.2014.02.001. Epub 2014 Mar 19.

Nursing strategies to support family members of ICU patients at high risk of dying

Judith A Adams  1 , Ruth A Anderson  2 , Sharron L Docherty  2 , James A Tulsky  3 , Karen E Steinhauser  4 , Donald E Bailey Jr  2
Affiliations

Nursing strategies to support family members of ICU patients at high risk of dying

Judith A Adams et al. Heart Lung. 2014 Sep-Oct.

Abstract

Objectives: To explore how family members of ICU patients at high risk of dying respond to nursing communication strategies.

Background: Family members of ICU patients may face difficult decisions. Nurses are in a position to provide support. Evidence of specific strategies that nurses use to support decision-making and how family members respond to these strategies is lacking.

Methods: This is a prospective, qualitative descriptive study involving the family members of ICU patients identified as being at high risk of dying.

Results: Family members described five nursing approaches: Demonstrating concern, building rapport, demonstrating professionalism, providing factual information, and supporting decision-making. This study provides evidence that when using these approaches, nurses helped family members to cope; to have hope, confidence, and trust; to prepare for and accept impending death; and to make decisions.

Conclusion: Knowledge lays a foundation for interventions targeting the areas important to family members and most likely to improve their ability to make decisions and their well-being.

Keywords: Critical care; End-of-life; Family members; Nursing communication; Palliative care.

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