How is family involved in clinical care and decision-making in intensive care units? A qualitative study

Abstract

Background: Involving family members in patient care is considered as a significant dimension of family-centered care in intensive care units (ICUs).

Aims: To describe family members’ perceptions and experiences regarding involvement in clinical care delivery and decision-making in ICUs in Iran.

Design: A qualitative research method using conventional content analysis.

Methods: A total number of 24 participants were selected through purposive sampling method between 2018 and 2019. Each interview also lasted between 30 and 60 min and the inductive data analysis was used.

Results: The findings revealed that non-agreed involvement in clinical care delivery and family involvement in decision-making is being implemented on a continuum of paternalistic views.

Conclusion: Healthcare providers, particularly nurses, and policy makers can thus exploit these findings to strengthen family involvement in this regard and consequently improve quality of care.

Impact statement: A non-agreed approach and paternalistic views along with some barriers can affect family members’ involvement in providing clinical care and making decisions in ICUs in Iran.

Keywords:

• intensive care unit: family-centered care
• decision-making
• qualitative research

Acknowledgements

We hereby express our gratitude to hospital administrators as well as all HCPs and family members of patients admitted to ICUs who participated in the study interviews.