Problem: Family-nurse interactions mediate the family’s experience in the critical care environment. Yet, few intervention studies have been conducted to enhance the family-nurse interaction in the adult intensive care setting. The purpose of this pilot study was to test the treatment intervention, the Role Modeling Intervention (RMI), and control portion of a future larger quasi-experimental study with nurses and families in the adult intensive care unit (ICU). The RMI, originally created for use in pediatric intensive care, is an interaction between the clinical nurse specialist (CNS) and family member(s) designed to enhance the observing staff nurses’ sensitivity to family needs during critical illness. Theoretical/conceptual framework: Family crisis theory, Bandura’s Social Learning Theory and Schon’s Reflective Practice Model formed the study framework. Methodology and design: A quasi-experimental 2 X 2 design with 1 pre and 2 post-tests guided the pilot study. A convenience sample of six families of critically-ill adults and the six nurses caring for them were recruited and randomized into either the treatment intervention or the control group. The CNS also recorded experiences throughout recruitment, data collection and the intervention and control sessions as data text journals. Analysis: Trial analyses of repeated measures ANOVA and ANCOVA procedures were completed and a content analysis of the CNS’s data text journals was conducted. Interpretation of findings: Study design and analysis method were determined to be appropriate. Recruitment procedures resulted in a 0.33 percentage of participation and will need to be revised for the larger study. The RMI and control interactions were determined to be appropriate for the population. Relevance: Results of this pilot study conducted amidst active clinical practice are valuable in determining best practice for planning a future major multi-site intervention study to enhance the family’s care experience through the family-nurse interaction.
Session #1208 - Family
The 29th Annual MNRS Research Conference (April 1-4, 2005)