King-Shier, KathrynTrotter, Bethany Therese2024-11-202024-11-202024-11-18Trotter, B. T. (2024). Exploring public expectations of care and communication in intensive care units: a cross-sectional web-based survey (Master's thesis, University of Calgary, Calgary, Canada). Retrieved from https://prism.ucalgary.ca.https://hdl.handle.net/1880/120087Background Explaining critical illnesses to family members or support persons of patients admitted to an Intensive Care Unit (ICU) is a sensitive and challenging duty for healthcare providers (HCPs). Current literature indicates that families often report insufficient and inadequate communication from critical care staff, leading to stress, anxiety, and sometimes even post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). Inaccurate media portrayals of ICU care and healthcare further contribute to unrealistic expectations, resulting in a mismatch between family expectations and the reality of care in ICUs. Objective This study aimed to identify and understand the public’s expectations of ICU care and communication if they were a family member or support person of an ICU patient. Methods A 36-question online survey of the Canadian public (n=489) was conducted to explore their expectations should they have a family member admitted to an ICU. The currently used and validated Family Satisfaction in the ICU (FSICUR-24) tool was used as a basis for the survey in this study, with the questions amended to be public facing. Participants were recruited through social media. The inclusion criteria required participants to be Canadian citizens or residents, over 18 years old, and could not have had any previous exposure or experience in ICUs. Results Participants expressed high expectations for substantial emotional support, frequent and clear communication from all specialties of HCPs, compassionate care, and a supportive physical environment. Recommendations for practice based on these findings include improving family conversations by managing expectations, expanding ICU HCP education, and procuring organizational support. Conclusions The public holds high expectations of ICU care, particularly regarding communication and support. Understanding these expectations can help improve families’ experiences, foster better communication, and improve patient and family-centred care in ICUs.en-USUniversity of Calgary graduate students retain copyright ownership and moral rights for their thesis. You may use this material in any way that is permitted by the Copyright Act or through licensing that has been assigned to the document. For uses that are not allowable under copyright legislation or licensing, you are required to seek permission.public expectationscritical careintensive carepatient and family centered careweb-based surveyEducation--HealthNursingHealth Sciencesmaster thesis