Semin Respir Crit Care Med 2019; 40(05): 648-654
DOI: 10.1055/s-0039-1697957
Review Article
Thieme Medical Publishers 333 Seventh Avenue, New York, NY 10001, USA.

Family-Centered Care in the Intensive CareUnit—What Does Best Practice Tell Us?

Jonathan Ludmir
1   Cardiology Division, Corrigan Minehan Heart Center, Massachusetts General Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts
,
Giora Netzer
2   Division of Pulmonary and Critical Care Medicine, Department of Epidemiology and Public Health, University of Maryland School of Medicine, Baltimore, Maryland
› Author Affiliations
Further Information

Publication History

Publication Date:
11 December 2019 (online)

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Abstract

Families in the intensive care unit (ICU) experience high-stress levels and are at risk of developing psychological symptoms including depression, anxiety, and posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD). Family-centered care defines an approach that encompasses respect, compassion, and support for families. By alleviating stress and anxiety, this approach can increase family satisfaction, improve communication with staff, and decrease ICU length of stay. Family-centered care relies on an interdisciplinary approach. Its components include daily family-centered rounds, frequent family meetings, and ensuring an adequate family support environment. Each of the components of family-centered care depend on adequately trained clinical staff who are champion in empathetic communication and constantly support family member throughout an ICU stay.