Families, nurses and intensive care patients: a review of the literature

Nurses striving to give holistic care to provide quality care for their patients, need to recognize the importance of caring for patients' families. A detailed review of the literature examining the relationships between nurses and intensive care patients' families was undertaken to examine its strengths and weaknesses as a basis for further study. Studies show that although nurses are often in the best position to meet families' needs, their needs are not always met. The building of good relationships with families is essential for nurses, and yet evidence shows that some nurses have difficulties in this area. Good practice is identified and obstacles nurses face in forming relationships with families are explored. Strategies for improving the interaction process between intensive care nurses and patients' families are systematically evaluated.