Improving Families’ Perceptions of Nursing Care of Patients in Intensive Care Units in Iran: A Non-Randomised Controlled Trial Publisher



Imanipour M¹ ; Razzaghi Z² ; Kamali H¹ Show Affiliations
Source: Africa Journal of Nursing and Midwifery Published:2022

Abstract

Aim: The aim of this study was to evaluate families’ perceptions regarding nursing care provided to patients in intensive care units (ICUs) at a district hospital in Iran. Methods: A non-randomised controlled trial was done in the ICU of a hospital located in Sari, Iran, in 2019. The eligible families of patients were assigned into two groups (N=80) through convenience sampling. The families in the experimental group were allowed to present in the ICU in a planned way. In the control group, the families just followed the restricted hospital visiting policy. The families’ perceptions of nurses’ caring behaviours in both groups were measured using the Caring Behaviour Inventory. Independent and paired t-tests were used for comparing families’ perceptions between and within the groups, respectively. Data were analysed by SPSS. Results: A significant positive increase was found in the families’ perceptions in the experimental group after intervention (84.90 (7.87), P<0.0001). The mean difference between the two groups was statistically significant, with a higher positive perception in the experimental group (33.78 (1.04), P<0.0001). Conclusion: Planned presence in the ICU has an effective role in improving families’ positive perceptions of nurses’ caring behaviours. Therefore, reconsidering a restricted visiting policy is recommended. © Unisa Press 2022.