Family Intervention Tips

Activity Explanation

• Identify a family spokesperson early Father, mother, older sibling

• Assign a primary nursing contact for the family Nurse acts as liaison for unit

• Establish mechanism for family access to patient Open visitations, specific rules, etc.

• Promote access to patient and ensure consistency Encourage families to speak with nurses about unit rules and protocols

• Establish mechanism to contact family Telephone numbers, pagers, etc.

• Provide information based on family needs Videotapes, information booklets

• Ensure support services are available Coordinate with social worker, chaplain

• Explain all procedures using understandable terms Avoid clinical jargon in conversation

• Offer tour of the ICU Get families familiar with surroundings

• Get family to participate in aspects of care Activities of daily living, reading, etc.

• Include family in end-of-life planning Prepare family for inevitable

• Provide comfortable environment Waiting rooms, access to meals

• Establish system for daily communication Telephone updates on changing condition

Source: Jane Stover Leske, RN, PhD, University of Wisconsin/Milwaukee School of Nursing.