Visiting hours in Intensive Care Units: Is the time for change?

The aim of this study is to review the visiting policies, strategies and potential challenges and their different dimensions in ICUs in different societies. Considering the special needs of patients and their families is one of the essential elements of care in the intensive care units (ICU). This is a comprehensive review of the studies on different policies about visiting patients in intensive care units, based on the scientific database. The studies show that despite awareness of the role of family care, visiting hours and related policies in ICUs are still limited due to the medical team concerns. While existing research and evidence do not support these concerns. They show open visiting hours have more benefits for patients and families, however visiting hours in some societies are still restricted. The integration of theory, practice and the use of research findings in improving the quality of care of critically ill patients and their families in intensive care units is an important part of care. In practice, it is necessary to change the beliefs and attitudes of nurses in intensive care units. Further studies on opening visiting hours in intensive care units and its effect on treatment process is one of the major issues.