T. Maxim1, A. Alvarez1, Y. Hojberg1, D. Antoku1, C. Moneme1, A. Singleton1, C. Park1, M. Lewis1, K. Inaba1, D. Demetriades1, K. Matsushima1 1University Of Southern California,Los Angeles, CA, USA
Introduction: A growing body of research has explored patient satisfaction as one of the healthcare quality measures. Family is also a key component of the healing team for critically-ill patients. Therefore, it may follow that a highly-satisfied family member will be better prepared to provide support for their loved one, participate in the decision-making process, and positively influence patient outcomes. To date, scarce data is available in regards to family experience in the trauma and surgical intensive care unit (TSICU). The purpose of this study was to describe and analyze the results of a family satisfaction survey conducted in the TSICU.
Methods: A prospective series of patients in the TSICU and their family members at a Level 1 Trauma Center were invited to participate in this study after 72 hours of ICU stay. Family members were instructed to complete the Family Satisfaction in the ICU (FS-ICU) questionnaire, a validated survey measuring family satisfaction in the domains of satisfaction with care and decision-making. Data collection spanned from April 2016 to July 2017. Patient characteristics were compiled from the medical record. Quantitative analysis was performed using a 5-point Likert score, converted to a scale of 0 (poor) to 100 (excellent).
Results: A total of 103 family members submitted responses. Respondents were mostly young (median age 41, interquartile range 29-56) and female (75%). Forty five percent had been involved as family of an ICU patient in the past, and 60.8% reported living with the patient. Language fluency was 44.6% English-only, 31.7% Spanish-only, and 23.8% bilingual. Overall satisfaction with care was high. Mean scores ± standard deviation for the TSICU staff’s concern/caring for the patient and respondent were 86.8 ± 21.5 and 82.8 ± 21.8 respectively. Pain (85.8 ± 21.7) and agitation management (81.0 ± 22.9) earned high scores as well. Respondents were mostly satisfied with their level of inclusion in the decision making process (76.3 ± 24.5) and frequency of communication with ICU nursing staff (79.2 ± 22.8), but less satisfied with the frequency of communication with physicians (70.7 ± 27.4). Language translation at the medical center scored 73.2 ± 31.2, and satisfaction was lowest with the atmosphere of the waiting room (64.8 ± 31.4).
Conclusion: While overall family satisfaction with the care provided to patients in the TSICU is high, opportunities for improvement were noted in the frequency of communication between physicians and family. Given the large cohort of exclusively Spanish-speaking family members, language translation services at the medical center are another area for improvement.
