Volume 39, Issue 2 , Pages 137-146, March 2010
An evaluation of family-centered care services and organization of visiting policies in Belgian intensive care units: A multicenter survey
Background
Admission in an intensive care unit (ICU) is a major cause of psychologic stress for the patient and the entire family, and liberalization of visitation has been shown to have a beneficial impact. However, despite the data available, practice has not changed much to incorporate these findings.
Objective
This study aimed to evaluate the visiting policies of Belgian ICUs.
Methods
A descriptive multicenter questionnaire survey was prospectively conducted.
Results
Fifty-seven ICUs completed the questionnaire (75.0%). All (100%) reported restricted visiting-hour policies, and limited numbers of visitors. Mean total daily visiting time was 69
±
33
minutes. The type of visitors was restricted to only immediate relatives in 11 ICUs (19.3%). Children were not allowed in 5 ICUs (8.8%), and 46 ICUs (80.7%) fixed an age limit for visiting. Thirty ICUs (52.6%) were providing families with information in a special room in addition to the waiting room, whereas 6 (10.5%) reported having no waiting room available, and 9 ICUs (15.8%) provided an information leaflet. A structured first family meeting at time of admission was organized in 42 ICUs (73.7%). A final family meeting at ICU discharge was planned in only 16 centers (28.1%).
Conclusion
Participating ICUs homogeneously reported restricted visiting policies regarding visiting hours and type and number of visitors. According to the evidence available, providing a plea for more liberal visitation, these results may be a first step toward reorganization of visiting policies in Belgian ICUs.
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PII: S0147-9563(09)00152-6
doi:10.1016/j.hrtlng.2009.06.001
© 2010 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.
Volume 39, Issue 2 , Pages 137-146, March 2010
