Abstract:
Background: Family members of critically ill patients are affected in one way or another
when their critically ill patient is admitted at reu, taking in consideration that these family
members serve as a bridge between health care providers and critically ill patients who are
physiologically or psychologically compromised. However, in Tanzania no study has been
documented to address the needs and level of satisfaction with care provided to themselves and
their patients in reu.
Objectives: This study aimed to assess perceived needs and level of satisfaction with care by
family members of critically ill patients admitted at reu. Two specific objectives guided the
study; the first was to identify the perceived needs of family members of critically ill patients.
Second was to determine the level of family members' satisfaction with care provided to them
and to their critically ill patients.
Methods: A quantitative research methodology using a descriptive cross-sectional design was
adopted. Perceived needs and level of satisfaction with care were assessed using structured
questionnaires.
Study population was one hundred and ten family members who visited their relatives who
were critically ill and admitted at leu. Data was analyzed using statistical packages to
interpret the findings. The duration of the study was two months and the results will be
disseminated to relevant stakeholders.
Results: Results revealed that 72% of the family members perceived the need of having a
specific person to call at the hospital when a family member is not there as the very important
need. Only 23% of the respondents perceived the need of talking about the possibility of
patient's death as very important. The study showed that educational background had
associations with many perceived needs compared to other demographics.
The care given to the patients by nurses more satisfied the family members compared to other
care, 31 % was very satisfied with this care. Satisfaction with lCU environment scored the least
among all cares itemized.
Conclusion: The perceived needs showed by the family members of critically ill patients and
level of satisfaction with care could have serious outcome on patients' recovery in rCu. Nurses
who are always nearby and taking care of these patients have to know the needs of family
members and use part of their time to care for them and hence raise their level of satisfaction
and hence good outcome to the patients' recovery.
