Information Handbook for the Families of the Critically Ill

One of the top priorities in recent nursing literature is to explore ways to sensitize nurses to the needs of the family members of critically ill patients. This essay describes the rationale for involving families in the nursing process. A review of the literature provides an overview of families in crisis, which includes concepts and principles in crisis theory, the influence of the family on the health of a member, the impact of illness on family functioning, and the needs of the family in illness. An information handbook is developed for the nurse to utilize in order to meet some of the reported needs of the families of the critically ill. A familiarization with the hospital environment, hospital routine, and community services can reduce the family stress that occurs following sudden illness