[Communication with patients' relatives in intensive care]

Area of Science:

• Critical Care Medicine
• Patient-Centered Care
• Healthcare Ethics

Context:

• Significant evolution in intensive care units (ICUs) over the past two decades.
• Integration of family members' perspectives into patient care planning is now standard practice.
• Increased emphasis on ethical decision-making within the daily operations of critical care.

Purpose:

• To highlight the profound shift in incorporating family presence and input in ICUs.
• To underscore the necessity of building trust between healthcare providers, patients, and their families.
• To outline strategies for improving family reception, team communication, and information sharing.

Summary:

• The role of patient relatives in intensive care has undergone a major transformation.
• Collegial discussions and incorporating family voices are integral to daily ICU work.
• Addressing ethical decisions and fostering trust are key to therapeutic relationships.
• Organizing better family reception, team integration, and regular information meetings is vital.
• Recognizing and managing stress in accompanying family members is crucial for successful post-ICU care.

Impact:

• Enhanced therapeutic relationships through improved trust and communication.
• Potential reduction in conflicts when family involvement is managed effectively.
• Improved success rates for post-intensive care patient care projects due to family support.
• Mitigation of post-traumatic stress symptoms in family members through supportive care practices.