Satisfaction and Coping Strategies Among Family Members of Surgical Patients Hospitalised in Intensive Care Units: A...

Family members of intensive care unit (ICU) patients often experience high levels of stress and uncertainty. Understanding their satisfaction and coping strategies is essential for developing family-centred nursing approaches.

This study aimed to examine the relationship between the satisfaction of family members of surgical patients with intensive care services and their coping strategies.

This descriptive and cross-sectional study was conducted in two university hospitals and eight intensive care units. Data were collected using a Personal Information Form, the Coping Strategies Assessment Scale (COPE) and the Family Satisfaction in the Intensive Care Unit (FS-ICU-24) Scale. Data were analysed using independent samples t-test, one-way ANOVA, Welch's ANOVA, Tukey and Dunn's post hoc tests and Pearson correlation analysis.

A total of 301 family members of surgical patients hospitalized in intensive care units were included in the study. The total FS-ICU-24 score ranges from 24 to 120, with higher scores indicating greater satisfaction with intensive care services. The mean FS-ICU-24 total score obtained by family members was 72.34 ± 13.98. When the FS-ICU-24 subscales were examined, the care subscale demonstrated the highest mean score, whereas the information and decision-making subscales showed relatively lower mean scores. The total score of the COPE scale ranges from 60 to 240, with higher scores reflecting more frequently used coping strategies. The mean total COPE score of family members was 155.03 ± 41.00. The most frequently used strategies were religious coping, positive reinterpretation and growth, and active coping, while substance use and behavioural disengagement were least preferred. A negative correlation was found between total COPE and FS-ICU-24 scores, whereas a positive correlation was observed between COPE total and the FS-ICU-24 decision-making subscale.

The findings demonstrate an association between family members' satisfaction with the intensive care unit and their coping strategies. Overall, family satisfaction was moderate level, with lower scores observed in information sharing and decision-making compared to the care dimension. Families most frequently used religious coping, positive reinterpretation and growth and active coping strategies, whereas substance use and behavioural disengagement were least preferred.

The findings highlight the importance of strengthening family-centred communication and decision-making processes in intensive care units. Nursing interventions aimed at improving information sharing and addressing families' emotional needs may contribute to higher satisfaction levels and support more adaptive coping during the intensive care experience.