Perceived needs and level of satisfaction with care by family members of critically ill patients at Muhimbili Intensive care units Dar es salaam

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.