Contextualizing critical care family needs through triangulation: an Australian study

Area of Science:

• Nursing
• Critical Care
• Family Studies

Background:

• Quantitative studies using the Critical Care Family Needs Inventory (CCFNI) have informed nursing interventions for families in critical care.
• The CCFNI's development did not involve extensive consultation with family members regarding their unique experiences and perceptions of need.

Purpose of the Study:

• To determine the degree of confirmation between family respondents to the CCFNI and those participating in in-depth interviews.
• To explore family needs and experiences in the critical care context more completely by integrating qualitative data.

Main Methods:

• Methodological triangulation was employed, comparing responses from 105 family members who completed the CCFNI with 26 family members who participated in interviews.
• Qualitative interview data provided contextual understanding and depth to the construct of family needs.

Main Results:

• Significant convergence was found between the quantitative survey data and qualitative interview data regarding family needs.
• Two major needs emerged from interviews not represented on the CCFNI: the need for family members to provide reassurance and support to the patient, and the need to protect others and the patient.

Conclusions:

• Integrating qualitative data provides a more comprehensive understanding of family needs in critical care than quantitative measures alone.
• The findings highlight the importance of considering family members' unique experiences and their active roles in patient care and protection.