Exploring the Experiences of Intensive Care Unit Patients on Family Involvement in Care: A Qualitative Study

BACKGROUND: Patients and their families face significant challenges during ICU treatment, and family involvement in ICU care is advocated and implemented as an effective approach. However, the experiences and perspectives of patients regarding family involvement in care remain unclear at present. AIM: To explore ICU patients' experiences and perspectives on family involvement. STUDY DESIGN: This study adopted a descriptive qualitative research method and used the COREQ checklist to ensure detailed and comprehensive reporting. Sixteen patients in the intensive care unit were interviewed using semi-structured interviews. Thematic analysis was used to analyse the qualitative data. FINDINGS: The four themes that emerged are as follows: (1) the double-edged sword of emotions; (2) the guarantee of communication and treatment; (3) the demand for family involvement; and (4) the expectations of family involvement. CONCLUSION: ICU patients believe that although family involvement can bring emotional burdens, it can also provide irreplaceable emotional support and assurance of communication. Patients hope that healthcare professionals will strengthen supervision and guidance of family involvement and clearly define the boundaries of involvement activities. They also hope that healthcare professionals will respect and meet their individual needs. RELEVANCE TO CLINICAL PRACTICE: The study shows that family involvement is beneficial for ICU patients, and healthcare professionals should make full use of the role of family members in ICU treatment. While implementing treatment, it is essential to respect and address the diverse needs of patients. The establishment and improvement of standards for family involvement in ICU nursing should be accelerated, and relevant family involvement guidelines should be designed to ensure the safety and effectiveness of family involvement.