The Effect of an Open Visitation Policy on Anxiety of Relatives of Patients in Intensive Care Units

Problem: Visitation restrictions contributes to high levels of anxiety for visiting relatives of patients hospitalized in Intensive Care Units. Physical presence is a beneficial factor of healing for both patients and family however, open visitation policies are scarce which has resulted in increasing levels of anxiety family members. Purpose: The aim of this study is to determine if an open visitation policy decreases anxiety in relatives of patients hospitalized in an Open Intensive Care Unit. Methods: A quasi-experimental method will be used for this quality improvement project. A convenience sampling technique will be used to select up to two visiting relatives per hospitalized patient. One sample will be taken when a restricted visitation policy is in place while the other sample will be taken when an open visitation policy is enforced. The Beck Anxiety Index will be used to examine and compare the participants anxiety. Conclusion: Open visitation policies in Intensive Care Units may decrease anxiety levels of visiting family members