The Nurses-family Members’ Relationship at the Intensive Care Units in Jordan: A Phenomenological Study

Abstract

Background: Communication with patients’ families facilitates and creates a trustful relationship between nurses and patients' families and helps nurses to identify and understand patients' and families’ needs. Aims: This study aimed to explore Jordanian ICU nurses’ communication experience with patients’ families. Methods: A phenomenological approach was utilized to explore the nurses’ communication experience with family members of patients in the ICU. Participants were recruited from three ICU units in Amman, the capital of Jordan. Results: Eighteen critical care nurses were interviewed. Two major themes of nurses’ communication experiences were identified: Precarious relationships and disruptive communication patterns. Conclusion: To achieve high-quality care, participants recognized the importance of appropriate communication with family members. Results showed the importance of continuous improvement of communication skills with patients and their family members.