A nationwide hospital program developed to support families who are visiting patients in the intensive care unit (ICU) has significant benefits for families, patients, and team members in the ICU, according to a recent report.¹ The implementation of the Critical Care Family Assistance Program (CCFAP) has increased family satisfaction, decreased family stress and patient anxiety, and increased staff communications and collaboration across hospital departments.

Because the ICU is often an intense and overwhelming place for both families and patients, using the CCFAP--now in place in 8 hospitals throughout the country--will enable hospitals to develop a trustworthy and supportive environment where families are recognized as an integral part of patient care and recovery.

According to D. Robert McCaffree, MD, president of The CHEST Foundation and chief of staff, Oklahoma Medical Center, VA Medical Center, Oklahoma City, "Research shows that families are not entirely satisfied with their treatment within an ICU while a family member is under care, which can cause unnecessary stress and anxiety for both the family and patient. Yet, it is clear that addressing family needs in the ICU contributes to families' overall satisfaction with ICU care." Dr McCaffree, who is coauthor of the study, adds that "CCFAP is the first replicable nationwide ICU program structured with the needs of both the patient and family in mind."

CCFAP teams at Evanston Hospital, Evanston, Ill, and the VA Medical Center, Oklahoma City, Okla, collected satisfaction data from 537 families of patients in the ICU and hospital staff prior to and after the implementation of the CCFAP. Surveys measured family stress level, family need for specific services, family satisfaction with ICU team communication and care regarding their loved one, and family satisfaction with their own treatment and care by the ICU team. Staff surveys measured changes in staff perception of the ICU climate, family satisfaction with care and communication, family stress levels, and the program's affect on their work environment.

Significant increases were seen in the areas of family satisfaction related to care, perception of a safe hospital environment, improved comprehension of information provided to families, and decreased patient anxiety. The most profound impact of the CCFAP was on the degree to which families felt they were involved in the decision-making process. In addition, the survey results showed significant decreases in family members' stress and anxiety level when they received CCFAP information or services. With regard to staff, there were significant increases in staff identification of and referral of families in need of services; staff perception of positive change in family satisfaction of communication, care, and treatment; collaboration among ICU team members and hospital departments; and the ability of the hospital to respond to family needs.

1. Medina J. A natural synergy in creating a patient-focused care environment: the critical care family assistance program and critical care nursing. Chest. 2005;128:99S-102S.