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A family-centered critical care unit
AACN Clinical Issues in Critical Care Nursing
|May 1, 1991
Summary
Implementing family-centered care in critical care units requires specific strategies. This approach enhances the hospitalization experience by integrating families, though nurses may need further training and support for family care.
Area of Science:
- Nursing
- Healthcare Management
- Family Studies
Background:
- Family care has historically been a nursing focus, with recent emphasis on integrating families into the hospitalization experience.
- Nurses often feel competent in medical crisis care but unqualified for comprehensive family care.
- Implementing family-centered care in critical care units presents unique challenges.
Purpose of the Study:
- To address challenges in implementing a family-centered philosophy of care in critical care units.
- To provide practical strategies for integrating families into the critical care environment.
- To support nurses in developing skills for effective family care.
Main Methods:
- Discussing implementation strategies for family-centered care.
- Formulating a staff-led family support group and family committee.
- Instituting a family visitation contract within open visitation parameters.
- Developing clinicians with expertise in family care.
Main Results:
- Shared tools include a performance plan for a Clinical Nurse II specializing in family care.
- A family visitation contract is provided as a practical implementation tool.
- Strategies aim to overcome nurse-perceived deficits in family care competency.
Conclusions:
- Successful implementation of family-centered care in critical care requires structured support and specific protocols.
- Developing specialized roles and clear visitation guidelines facilitates family integration.
- These strategies can enhance the overall hospitalization experience for patients and their families.