When family members became dissatisfied with a restrictive visiting policy
in a combined coronary and medical intensive care unit, this situation was
seen as an opportunity to better meet patient and family needs. A review of
the literature indicated that open visitation policies enhance patient and
family satisfaction, while a survey of patients, families, and health care
team members revealed a desire for a more open visitation policy. Nursing
staff, with input from other disciplines, developed and implemented a less
restrictive visitation policy. Post-intervention surveys revealed higher pa
tient and family satisfaction and a marked decrease in formal complaints.