ABSTRACT
RESEARCH SUBJECT:
Family Perceptions of Visitation During Hospitalization for
Critical Illness
STUDENT:
LeAnn J. Mayer
DEGREE:
Masters of Science
COLLEGE:
College of Applied Sciences and Technology
DATE:
December, 2010
Family functioning is altered dramatically when a loved one is hospitalized.
Patients and families feel a greatly increased sense of stress and anxiety, which can be
related in part to separation from loved ones. While research has explored outcomes of
various patterns of family visitation during hospitalization, results have not been
consistent across studies. Specifically, the perceived satisfaction of families has not been
clarified when open visitation patterns are practiced during hospitalization for critical
illness. Furthermore, little research has been conducted on family participation in patient
care. The purposes of this study were to explore the perceived needs of family members
during the hospitalization of a loved one and to determine the perceptions of families
related to visitation policies and participation in patient care during hospitalization for a
critical illness. This quasi-experimental study was a partial replication of a study by
Roland, Russell, Richards, and Sullivan (2001). The convenience sample of 200 family
members completed a written survey. Findings will add to what nurses know about
family perceptions related to visitation and guide the development of visitation policies
that address the needs, anxiety, and satisfaction of families.