Satisfaction with communication in ICU patients and relatives: comparisons with medical staffs' expectations and the relationship with psychological distress.

Abstract

OBJECTIVE: To study intensive care unit (ICU) patients' and relatives' satisfaction in regard to communication with medical staff (nurses and physicians), perceived support, environmental strain and their psychological distress. Further, to compare this with expectations of the medical staff. METHODS: Cross-sectional study, 4-6 weeks post-ICU discharge. Respondents to the questionnaire were: 255 (63%) patients, 354 (82%) relatives and 145 (74%) medical staff. Degree of satisfaction and distress were measured on a five-point Likert-scale (0=low to 4=high). RESULTS: The mean score for patient satisfaction with communication was 3.0 (95%CI 2.9-3.1) and for relatives 3.4 (3.3-3.5). This was significantly higher than expected by the staff for patients 2.5 (2.4-2.6) and relatives 2.8 (2.7-2.9), both p<0.001. Relatives' degree of psychological distress, 2.5 (2.4-2.6) was significantly higher than for patients', 1.6 (1.5-1.7), but was significantly lower than expected by the staff, 2.9 (2.8-3.0) and 2.7 (2.6-2.8) respectively, both p<0.001. CONCLUSION: Patients and relatives were more satisfied with the communication than expected by the staff. The staff overestimated the patients' and relatives' psychological distress. Relatives report more psychological distress symptoms post-ICU discharge compared to the patients. PRACTICE IMPLICATIONS: Medical staff is aware of psychological distress in ICU patients and relatives and effort to reduce this during ICU stay and afterwards should be implemented.