Family needs of critically ill child

Abstract EN

This study describes the family needs of the critically ill child and identifies the relationship between family needs and different demographical and medical variables.

A descriptive, correlational design was utilized.

A convenience sample of 110 family members was recruited.

The Arabic version of Critical Care Family Needs Inventory was used to collect data.

The highest family needs were assurance (3.09±.43) and proximity (3.06±.48), while the lowest reported need was support (2.70±.38).

Multiple regression showed that medical state of the child and parents’ educational level were predictors of family needs (R=.518, R²=.268, p<.001).

The major concerns of Jordanian families were the health condition of their critically ill child and their ability to be near their child.

The more critically ill the child and the higher the education level of the parents the more these needs increase.

There is a need to further evaluate information provision and visiting policies of intensive care units to facilitate meeting the assurance and proximity needs of parents with sick children.