A survey of ICU nurses' knowledge and influencing factors related to the needs of patients' family members

Objective to survey ICU nurses' knowledge and other influencing factors related to the needs of patients' family members; to improve the quality of nursing care in ICU through redesigning the educational programs. Methods Subjects included 60 ICU nurses chosen form two top hospitals in Shanghai. A questionnaire was given regarding the needs of family members of the patients and other related factors. Results There is a difference in knowledge among ICU nurses. Several items revealed to be highest among the nurses, such as nurses needed to introduce the rules and regulations of the ICU when the patient first came to the unit, provide assurance that the patient will get the best care available; and explain the patient's condition with easily understood language. We also found that the higher the nurse's education, the longer the nurse's working experience, the more knowledge the nurse would have towards the needs of the patient's family members. Conclusions We need to design appropriate education programs based on nurses' educational background and working experience.Therefore, we can train nurses to better meet the needs of the patients and their family members. Key words: ICU; Nursing; Family members; Needs