Family and Psychosocial Considerations in Critical Care

Abstract

This chapter discusses the expanding movement to humanize critical care and intensive care settings. An international perspective is provided with regard to how patients, families, and professionals, along with health care managers and authorities, can redesign health care systems to overcome the obstacles of dehumanization in hospitals and health centers, with social interest at the core. The authors maintain that caring for all parties, including the family, that coexist in the health care system is critical to building an excellent and effective service.