[Visitation in the ICU: a meeting of the unknown]

The aim was to describe the visitors' conceptions about assistance they receive from the nursing group as well as to identify their needs. It is a descriptive study using qualitative approach, based on an intensive care's observation in a hospital from Rio de Janeiro, with 12 visitors of patients under hospitalization. The data were collected by a semi-structured interview. The results mark despair, fear of death anguish, visitors feelings and they have to be taken into consideration. In relation to the care they pointed out the value of interaction in the reception, they wish to increase communication and total conscience of procedure inferring in the way care is delivered and also want to know everything possible about procedures. They point out the need of better information and wish the best care for the patiente and receives a good treatment.