Family members of Intensive Care Unit patients' perceptions of psychosocial support received in a Tertiary Hospital in Johannesburg

Abstract

Admission to an Intensive Care Unit can be intimidating to both the patient and family. The literature reviewed, suggested that the psychosocial care and support needs of family members are frequently overlooked, leaving them frustrated and vulnerable to emotional distress. Thus, the study intended to describe the family members’ perception of psychosocial support received in Intensive Care Units. The purpose of the study was to describe the perceptions of psychosocial support received in a tertiary academic hospital in Johannesburg of family members’ of Intensive Care Unit patients. This study utilised a non-experimental, descriptive quantitative survey and cross-sectional design. Non-probability purposive sampling was used, and the sample comprised of 100 (n=100) family members. Data was collected using a survey instrument developed by Hariharan et al. (2015), and analysed using descriptive and comparative statistics to describe the family members of Intensive Care Unit patients, perception of psychosocial support received in the Intensive Care Unit. Statistical tests included the Cronbach’s reliability coefficient, Proportions and Chi-square tests; testing was done on the 0.05 (p<0.05) level of significance. The results revealed a significant positive perception toward psychosocial support received in Intensive Care Units. Some inconsistencies were noted on the frequencies with which psychosocial support was provided. There was a significant disagreement in three priority items in the domain of transparency in decision-making and continuity of care; female family members or patients admitted for medical reasons were more likely to be in disagreement of items in this domain (p<0.05). Similarly, there was a significant disagreement to two priority items in the domain protection of human rights and dignity; family members’ in the age category of 43 to 48 years, or a sibling relationship to the patient, were more likely to be in disagreement of items in this domain (p<0.05). Recommendations are made for improvement in the provision of psychosocial support for family members in clinical practice and education of Intensive Care nurses.