The identification of family members' contribution to patients' care in the intensive care unit: a naturalistic inquiry.

The admission of a patient to an intensive care unit (ICU) is recognized as being a stressful experience for their families. Many studies have focused on the needs of families within ICU, but few have highlighted the unique contribution that family members make towards patient care and recovery. Using a naturalistic approach, data were collected through observation, video recording, in-depth interviewing and reflective video analysis to explore the processes and factors underpinning families' contribution to patient care. The findings can be grouped into three themes: getting to know the patient through the family, family contribution to care and the nurses' role in supporting families of ICU patients. Families can have a very positive influence on the patient's care and recovery from ICU, but both the family members, and in turn the nursing staff, need to be supported appropriately if this valuable contribution to patient care is to be maximized and maintained.