Comparison of Nurses’ and Families’ beliefs and attitudes regarding visiting policy in selected intensive care units of Ghana

Abstract

Background

The intensive care unit (ICU) is a challenging environment for patients, families, and healthcare professionals. Nurses often seek a calm and controlled work setting, while families prioritize proximity to their loved ones due to an increased feeling of anxiety. Existing literature suggests that liberalized visiting hours may offer benefits, such as reducing patient anxiety and improving communication between patients and families. However, there are also conflicting viewpoints on this matter.

Objective

This study aims to compare the beliefs and attitudes of nurses and families regarding ICU visiting policies in selected hospitals in Ghana.

Design

A comparative descriptive cross-sectional quantitative design was employed for this study.

Methods

Participants were recruited from four public hospitals in Ghana, using consensus sampling for nurses and convenient sampling for family members. A self-administered questionnaire, the Beliefs and Attitudes Towards Visiting in ICU Questionnaire (BAVIQ), was utilized as the primary data collection tool. Data were analyzed using the Statistical Package for the Social Sciences (SPSS), version 16.

Results

The study found a significant difference in the beliefs of nurses and families, but no significant difference in their attitudes towards ICU visitation. An independent t-test revealed that nurses favoured a restricted visiting policy, whereas families preferred an open visiting policy, although their attitudes remained somewhat skeptical. Nurses preferred that only three or fewer persons visit a patient in 24 h. Family members preferred 3–4 visitors within 24 h, with one visitor allowed at a time.

Conclusion

A significant relationship was identified between nurses’ beliefs, attitudes, and demographic variables, except for age. Family members supported visitation but expressed concerns that unrestricted visiting could disrupt patient rest, cause psychological stress, and infringe on privacy. They favoured a slightly restrictive visiting policy, allowing 3–4 visitors within 24 h, with one visitor allowed at a time. To enhance patient-centered care, a balanced approach that considers the needs of patients, families, and healthcare professionals should be adopted when developing ICU visitation policies.