Needs of relatives of critical care patients: perceptions of relatives, physicians and nurses

Objectives:This study-investigated differences between the perceptions of r elatives, physicians and nurses concerning the needs of relatives of critic al care patients. Design and participants: Perceived needs were assessed in 200 relatives, 38 physicians, and 143 nurses using a 45-item questionnaire. Setting: Data were gathered at the intensive care unit of the University Ho spital Gasthuisberg. Results and conclusions: The overall rankings of the needs by the three gro ups are very similar. Information emerges as most important factor, with co nsiderably less importance attached to comfort and support. There were sign ificant differences between the groups on all categories and on 24 individu al needs. Regarding the need categories, both nurses and physicians underes timate the relatives' need for information and proximity to the patient. Ph ysicians also underestimate the relatives' need for assurance. On the indiv idual need items, relatives' needs are generally underestimated by the staf f, but in some cases overestimations are found.