Family centred care in an intensive care unit in Botswana : the views of families

Abstract

Family-centred care (FCC) is a model of care that is focused on promoting collaboration through engagement of nurses and families in information sharing and decision making. This experience is common for families with patients admitted in the intensive care unit (ICU). Disruption of the social system usually manifests in the form of depression, fear and/or anger. Families need to be supported and involved in patient care and decision making, in order to reduce complaints, improve patient outcomes, and hence promote family-centred care. AIM The aim of the study was to describe the views of families regarding FCC and collaboratively develop strategies to enhance FCC in the general ICU in Botswana. Research Design The researcher used a qualitative, contextual, explorative and descriptive research design in order to explore and describe the lived views of families with patients admitted in the ICU regarding FCC. Methodology Ten family members of patients admitted in the ICU were purposively selected and data was collected by means of one-on-one interviews. The data-collection instrument was an Appreciative Inquiry semi-structured and open-ended interview guide. Findings The following main themes emerged: 1) workplace culture 2) compassion and 3) counselling. Conclusion Supporting and involving families in the care of the critically ill family member may improve family satisfaction, reduce complaints and ultimately lead to positive health outcomes for the patient.