[Significance of measuring family satisfaction in the intensive therapy unit].

Recently, numerous studies have been devoted to the issues of satisfaction of ITU patients and their families. Good relationships between the medical personnel and family members are essential for interpersonal communication built by both parties. The knowledge of rules ensuring proper relations with patients and their families is an important element of the medical staff education. To date, neither the medical curriculum nor additional training have focused on this issue. Good communication between the patients` families and physicians, thus the feeling of safety and satisfaction with the intensive care provided, should be based on controlled paternalism, provision of reliable information, confidence moulded, by mutual understanding and respect, elimination of impulsive reactions.