Abstract

Objective: To determine the level of family satisfaction, contributing variables, relationship between the care and the decision-making of family members for adult intensive care patients.
Methodology: This analytical cross-sectional study was conducted in three public sector hospitals in Rawalpindi, Pakistan. Through stratified proportionate sampling, 270 family members participated. The “Family Satisfaction with Care in the Intensive Care Unit” (FS-ICU 24) questionnaire was used. Data were analysed by applying descriptive and inferential statistics.
Results: We found a mean score of 49±15.8 for overall family satisfaction and the level of satisfaction from mostly satisfied to very satisfied, on the subscales of care (87%) and decision-making (91%). There was a significant strong positive association between care scores and decision-making scores (r=0.69). However, a sub-analysis revealed that family members were dissatisfied with the way symptoms were managed (72%), the ICU waiting room (60%), and having enough time to address their concerns (46%) regarding patients.
Conclusion: The family members of ICU patients had dissatisfaction from the sub items of care and involvement in decision making. So, there is need to change in polices, infrastructure to address the issues.

Key words: Family satisfaction, adult intensive care patient, decision making, ICU.