Family satisfaction with care in the intensive care unit: A regional Australian perspective

Many patients admitted to an intensive care unit (ICU) are unable to make ongoing decisions of care for themselves during their ICU stay. The perspectives of families and other nominated decision makers are particularly important in forming a partnership with clinicians to provide effective person-centred care. The aim of this study is to evaluate family satisfaction with care in the ICU in regional NSW, Australia, and explore the relationship between the level of satisfaction and family characteristics.

A cross-sectional survey design was conducted in two ICUs in regional NSW, Australia, using a validated family satisfaction questionnaire. The Family Satisfaction in the Intensive Care Unit survey calculates an overall family satisfaction score (FS-Total) and two subscales, measuring family satisfaction with care (FS-Care) and family satisfaction with decision-making (FS-DM).

A total of 104 family members were surveyed, with a 53% response rate. The mean FS-Total score was high (85.58, standard deviation [SD] = 14.6), with FS-Care (92.94, SD = 15.71) ranked higher than FS-DM (81.84, SD = 19.16). Significant differences in mean FS-Total and FS-DM scores were reported by the partners/spouses (p = 0.009 and p = 0.003, respectively) and those who lived with the patient (p = 0.039 and p = 0.011, respectively). Levels of satisfaction were also impacted by communication, waiting room facilities, and visiting times.

Opportunities exist to further explore and improve family satisfaction with care in ICUs in regional NSW, Australia, particularly for spouses and partners and those who co-reside with the patient. Developing family-friendly clinical spaces and waiting rooms that allow family privacy along with amenities that support comfort and rest throughout their ICU experience may improve satisfaction levels.