BACKGROUND

After the strict visitation restrictions during the COVID-19 pandemic, the value of family presence has been re-emphasized as an essential part of patient- and family-centred care in the intensive care unit (ICU). The aim of this study was to investigate the status of family presence policies and waiting room conditions in Japanese ICUs.

METHODS

A cross-sectional survey of 292 hospitals certified as tertiary medical centres in Japan was performed using a combination of postal and web-based questionnaires. This included 12 questions about institutional characteristics, family presence policies, and waiting room facilities.

RESULTS

Of the 292 tertiary medical centres contacted, 151 (51.7%) responded. Of these, 120 institutions (79.5%) restricted family visiting hours, typically limited to several hours in the afternoon and limited the number of family members at the same time. These restrictions were often relaxed in cases of sudden clinical deterioration or near the end of the patient's life. In addition, 144 institutions (95.4%) had family waiting rooms for ICUs, and most provided Table (76.4%) and chairs (96.5%). However, only a few offered amenities such as books and magazines (13.9%), napping areas (10.4%), cooking facilities (3.5%), shower rooms (2.1%), or refrigerators (0.7%). Moreover, only 47 institutions (32.6%) ensured adequate privacy in their waiting rooms. There were no significant differences in the family presence policies or waiting room conditions depending on the number of ICU beds, except for the location of the family waiting room.

CONCLUSIONS

Most ICUs in Japan restricted family visiting hours to several hours in the afternoon and limited the number of family members at the same time. Moreover, family waiting rooms often lack essential amenities and do not sufficiently protect privacy.