Nursing strategies to support family members of ICU patients at high risk of dying

Objectives To explore how family members of ICU patients at high risk of dying respond to nursing communication strategies. Background Family members of ICU patients may face difficult decisions. Nurses are in a position to provide support. Evidence of specific strategies that nurses use to support decision-making and how family members respond to these strategies is lacking. Methods This is a prospective, qualitative descriptive study involving the family members of ICU patients identified as being at high risk of dying. Results Family members described five nursing approaches: Demonstrating concern, building rapport, demonstrating professionalism, providing factual information, and supporting decision-making. This study provides evidence that when using these approaches, nurses helped family members to cope; to have hope, confidence, and trust; to prepare for and accept impending death; and to make decisions. Conclusion Knowledge lays a foundation for interventions targeting the areas important to family members and most likely to improve their ability to make decisions and their well-being.