The psychosocial needs of the families of the patients admitted to intensive care units: A review of literature

Since families are responsible for supporting their patients in most cases، paying attention to them is considered as a significant element in the treatment process. Families who are not able to adapt to the hospitalization of their beloved patients in the intensive care units may suffer an emotional crisis. That is، they may show some reactions such as shock، anger، frustration، anxiety، and depression، particularly within 72 hours after the hospitalization. Even in some cases، they may experience more stress than the patients. A review of the related studies shows that the most important needs of the families include being assured that the patient is receiving appropriate treatment and sufficient care، and being informed of the patient’s status، proper prognosis about the treatment process، and the possible consequences. Moreover، the least significant need of the families has been reprted to be their physical comfort. It can be concluded that family-centered care increases the satisfaction of the treatment process and decreases the psychological problems in the families. Therefore، each of the treatment team members in intensive care unit (ICU) should support the family members in dealing with the stressful situations. Evaluating the family needs and performing some essential interventions to fulfill their needs will be effective in declining their anxiety level during the crisis.