Perceptions and experiences of family members in the ICU waiting room

Abstract

Aim

To explore the perceptions and experiences of family members and/or companions in the ICU waiting room, identify determining factors, and describe proposals for improvement.

Method

Qualitative phenomenological hermeneutic study. Participants: Family members and/or companions of patients admitted to the ICU, recruited through intentional sampling. Semi-structured interviews were conducted, transcribed, and analysed by all researchers. The analysis followed the phases of discovery, coding, and interpretation. To ensure methodological rigor, data were triangulated, and reflexivity was maintained among the researchers throughout the process.

Results

A total of 12 interviews were conducted. The perceptions of family members in the waiting room were classified into three main categories: 1) Experience in the waiting room in our ICU was perceived as an emotionally stressful space; 2) Perceptions related to the design and physical space: participants described the environment as hostile, inhospitable, and cold, with a lack of warmth and emotional privacy; 3) Proposed changes to improve the waiting room experience, where participants emphasised the need to balance design, comfort, and to improve communication during the waiting period.

Conclusions

Waiting in the ICU waiting room is perceived by family members as a stressful experience filled with uncertainty. In this shared physical space, a disequilibrium of emotions and a lack of emotional privacy arise during moments of heightened vulnerability. This environment can negatively impact family members, exacerbating their distress and anxiety. These findings suggest the need for interventions focused on space design and communication improvement to reduce stress and enhance the well-being of family members in the ICU.