Research into visitor needs using Molter's tool--time to move on

Area of Science:

• Critical care nursing
• Patient and family experience research

Background:

• Research on intensive care unit (ICU) visitor needs began with Molter in 1979.
• Much subsequent research has replicated Molter's original work with minor changes.
• This repetitive approach may not yield new insights and can perpetuate methodological flaws.

Purpose of the Study:

• To critically evaluate the existing body of research on ICU visitor needs.
• To identify limitations in current research methodologies.
• To propose strategies for enhancing the quality and impact of future studies in this area.

Main Methods:

• Literature review and critical analysis of published studies on ICU visitor needs since 1979.
• Evaluation of research methodologies employed in the field.
• Synthesis of findings to identify common shortcomings and areas for improvement.

Main Results:

• A significant portion of published research on ICU visitor needs is derivative, largely repeating Molter's foundational work.
• Methodological inconsistencies and limitations are frequently replicated across studies.
• There is a lack of innovative approaches and a need for more rigorous research designs.

Conclusions:

• Current research practices in ICU visitor needs are often stagnant, hindering scientific progress.
• Implementing improved methodologies is crucial for generating novel and reliable findings.
• Future research should focus on addressing identified shortcomings and exploring new avenues to better understand and meet the needs of ICU visitors.