Nursing care in critical care units: perception of family members.
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.56294/saludcyt20252299Keywords:
Care, Nursing, Family, Intensive Care UnitAbstract
Introduction: the family experience is conditioned by the quality of care, humane treatment, and communication, factors that directly affect their satisfaction and trust in the healthcare system.
Method: a qualitative approach with a phenomenological hermeneutic design was used, guided by COREQ criteria. The sample consisted of 12 family members (spouses, parents, and adult children), selected through convenience and saturation sampling. Semi-structured interviews were conducted virtually, lasting an average of 40 minutes, and were analyzed using the Colaizzi method with an EMIC-ETIC approach to identify categories and subcategories.
Results: the results revealed four main categories: 1) attitudes and care provided by nursing staff, highlighting both negative behaviors such as lack of empathy, impersonal treatment, and poor communication, and positive behaviors such as respect and emotional support; 2) therapeutic limitations in critical services, associated with shortages of medical supplies, a lack of human resources, and excessive workloads; 3) comprehensive care and nursing professionalism, where dignified treatment, patience, and empathy towards patients and families were recognized; and 4) interpersonal relationships and communication, with divergent perceptions between a lack of information and the willingness of some professionals to provide cordial and continuous support.
Conclusions: nursing care in the ICU has strengths and weaknesses. Lack of resources, work overload, and poor communication limit the quality of care; however, empathy, commitment, and willingness on the part of staff are key to humanized care that includes the family as an essential part of the process.
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Copyright (c) 2025 Lisset Alexandra Manzano Gallegos , Deicy Dolores Quizhpi Pallchizaca , Shirley Karina Encalada Pilamunga, Ana Gissela Calderón Bailón , Jorge Leodan Cabrera Olvera , Jessica Mariuxi Figueroa Andrade (Author)
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