Family member's experiences with and evaluation of an ICU Liaison Nurse Service: A qualitative study

Family members of critically ill patients often experience anxiety when their relatives are transferred from ICU to another level of care. ICU liaison nurse (ICULN) visits have been associated with improved support for patients, their families and nursing staff but has not been extensively studied in the non-English speaking setting. Yet, cross-country variations such as how hospital care is delivered and by who means that innovations such as the ICULN may not be able to be simply transferred to other contexts and may not have similar outcomes.

The aim of this study was to investigate family member's experiences with and evaluation of ICULN support service in one Swedish ICU.

A qualitative evaluation study was undertaken, recruiting family members of former ICU patients. Audio-taped in-depth interviews were conducted. Data were analysed by content analysis.

Fifteen family members were interviewed. Two categories: Minds the gap between intensive care and the next care level and providing stability in an uncertain situation were identified. The ICULN supported the family members both directly, when the ICULNs listened to their questions and met their needs, and indirectly, when the ICULNs took responsibility for the patients and their physical and psychological conditions and wellbeing.

Families valued and were satisfied with the ICULN service but also gave suggestions to improve the service in this particular hospital context.

The study showed that an ICULN support service met several needs of family members and therefore was a beneficial way to support patients and family members in the transition from the ICU to the ward.