Needs of family members of critically ill patients with and without acute brain injury.

A comparative descriptive study was implemented to identify and compare the personal needs of family members of critically ill patients with and without acute brain injury. The study was, in part, a replication of Mathis's study which used Molter's Critical Care Family Needs Inventory (CCFNI) to identify differences in the degree of importance of the perceived personal needs between family members of critically ill patients with and without acute brain injury. Fourteen relatives of critically ill patients completed and mailed a questionnaire adapted from the CCFNI. Results indicated a difference in the degree of importance of the perceived personal needs between the family members of critically ill patients without acute brain injury and family members of critically ill patients with acute brain injury at the 0.001 level of significance (Chi square = 17.70, critical value = 16.27, df = 3). Similarities in the rank ordering of the need statements were found between the two groups in this study and in comparison to the groups in Mathis's study. Family members indicated that most needs were met (78.5%) and nurses and doctors were identified as meeting the majority of these needs (> 80%). Ongoing research is necessary to determine what the needs of the relatives are in order to most effectively use the energies of health care professionals in providing patient care.