Assessing and intervening with families of CCU patients

Until recently, attention to the needs of the family of a CCU patient has been minimal. However, it is an interplay now recognized between meeting the needs of both patient and family. Patients are members of families and a holistic approach to patient care warrants addressing the needs of both patient and family. Owing to the life-threatening nature of the illness, a family member's admission to a CCU has a significant impact on the family system. In turn, this may affect the patient and the recovery process. Family needs can be conceptually categorized as emotional, informational, physical, and spiritual. When family needs are met, members are more capable of offering support to the patient. Thus, addressing the needs of the family can enhance the family support system. Several family interventions have been suggested in this article. Sources for ascertaining family needs are the patient, the patient's chart, individual family members, and current literature. Meeting privately with family members, involving them in the patient's care, and keeping them informed about the patient's progress are just a few effective means of meeting these needs. Greater emphasis too should be placed on identifying and meeting the physical and spiritual needs of families. These may be easily met and impact upon family coping. Addressing family needs can support coping and decrease anxiety related to the cardiac event. In turn, the patient can benefit from the support offered by a family which is less anxious and able to contribute to the recovery process.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)