Family Visitation in Greek Intensive Care Units: Nurses’ Perspective

Abstract

Background Policies of flexible and open visiting in intensive care units benefit both patients and patients’ families. In Greek intensive care units, gaps exist between evidence and practice for family visitation, resulting in restricted visiting policies. Objectives To explore the beliefs of nurses in Greek intensive care units about the effects of visiting on patients, patients’ families, and unit staff and nurses’ attitudes toward visiting policies. Methods A descriptive correlational survey was conducted in 6 public hospitals in Athens, Greece, with a sample of 143 critical care nurses. Data were collected via an anonymous questionnaire consisting of 3 validated scales to assess the nurses’ beliefs about and attitudes toward visitation. Results Generally, nurses were resistant to family visiting and open visiting, and most (94.4%) did not want an open policy in their unit. Nurses think that open visiting policies are supportive for patients and patients families, but the overall effects of visiting depend on both the nurse and the patient (91.6%). Nurses reported that open visiting created increased physical and psychological burdens for them (87.5%) and hampered nursing care (75.5%). Years of work experience, staffing level, and number of night shifts worked by nurses per 15 days were factors predictive of nurses’ attitudes toward and beliefs about family visitation. Conclusions Nurses’ beliefs about and attitudes toward visitation are important factors in the implementation of more flexible visiting policies in Greek intensive care units. Well-staffed units with experienced nurses and fewer shifts per week may affect nurses’ negative attitude toward open visitation.

Open visitation and nurse job satisfaction: An integrative review

“…Open visitation can improve patients’ ICU experience. Over 80% of nurses agree that family presence reduces patient boredom, increases patient will to live and provides needed support (Athanasiou et al., ). Mutair et al.…”

“…Critical care nurses also recognise that family members benefit from liberal visitation. Eighty‐five per cent of nurses believe family satisfaction increases in open visitation environments (Athanasiou et al., ; Chapman et al., ). Over sixty per cent of staff also believe open visitation improves nurse–family relationships (Soury‐Lavergne, ).…”

Impact of promoting self-care in nursing workload

“…In the Semi-Intensive Care Unit target of this study, caregivers remained throughout the daytime, which favors the support and educational process. The literature suggests an association between high nursing workload and support and care for family members (9,(30)(31) . The challenge of nursing staff regarding the training of caregivers is emphasized, considering the influence that the quality of care has on the rehabilitation process.…”

Nursing workload in specialized Semi-intensive Therapy unit: workforce size criteria

“…The literature points to the association between high nursing workload and the care and support to family members, including the family stay in the unit during hospitalization (28)(29) . As much as receive information about patients by the medical professionals, family members wish to be informed about the care provided by nurses, norms and routines of the unit, equipment, among others (30) .…”