Impacts of family visit from the perspective of the patient in adult intensive care unit

Abstract

Objective: To understand the impact of family visits on critically ill patients admitted to an adult ICU and investigate their ability to cope with the emotional difficulties arising from hospitalization, based on family support. Methodology: This is a descriptive and exploratory study with a qualitative approach. Fifteen patients of both sexes who received family visits during hospitalization in the Adult Intensive Care Unit of a teaching hospital in the interior of São Paulo were interviewed. Thematic content analysis was used to analyze the statements, resulting in three categories: “Family visits had a positive impact on coping ability”, “The duration and number of visitors in the ICU are insufficient” and “Family visits had a negative impact on coping ability”. Results: The results revealed that the experience of receiving family members in the hospital setting can vary between individuals. The most significant category showed patient satisfaction after the visit and reduction of negative feelings. The second category demonstrated that patients believe that the duration and number of visitors are insufficient. In contrast, the third category showed that situations in which the patient has no control, such as family visits, can cause negative feelings. Conclusion: It was found that family visits have a positive impact on the ability to cope with emotional difficulties resulting from hospitalization, allowing connection with reality, avoiding disruption of the social network and assisting in the recovery process. Feelings of gratitude, comfort, motivation and confidence after the family visit were reported by the participants.