Evidence-Based Practice in a Military Intensive Care Unit Family Visitation

Abstract

The findings from this EBP project suggest that a more open visitation policy is feasible in adult critical care units, with an increase in overall satisfaction of patients and their families with regard to their stay in the intensive care unit.

Partners' ambivalence towards cardiac arrest and hypothermia treatment: a qualitative study

“…Whether there is a need to allow other family members and friends in the ICU remains unclear (Olsen et al , 2009; Söderström et al , 2009; Whitcomb et al , 2009). Partners in our study stated that their social networks provided support; however, such networks could also instigate additional concerns.…”

Visiting Policies in the Adult Intensive Care Units in the Netherlands: Survey among ICU Directors

“…that surrounds this topic. An adoption of UP is generally regarded to increase the understanding and relationship between patients, family, and caretakers, and therefore in turn reduces levels of anxiety and depression [2,3,[12][13][14][15][16]. Evidence to underpin this theory is clearly provided by a small, randomized control trial (RCT) conducted by Fumagalli et al [3].…”

Preferences for Visitation in the PACU

“…13,19 In one military hospital, ICU staff turnover necessitated ongoing staff education to maintain the visitation standard. 11 It may be important for PACU environments to provide ongoing nurse education if staff are resistant to family visitation preferences. In addition, support staff may help ensure visitor needs are met if the PACU is large and/or has a large influx of patients in a short time period.…”

“…10 In intensive care unit (ICU) settings, patients and families preferred and were satisfied with open visitation. [11][12][13][14] When family needs were met, anxiety decreased. 15 Removal of restrictions on visitation also enhanced the nurses' ability to meet family member needs.…”