ObjectiveTo understand the perception of medical communication and needs of family
members with loved ones in intensive care.MethodsThe study was mainly qualitative and exploratory, with thematic analysis of
comments made by 92 family members with loved ones in intensive care units
when answering in-person interviews comprising the Quality of Communication
Questionnaire (QoC) and open-ended questions about their need for additional
help, the appropriateness of the place where they received information, and
additional comments.ResultsThe participants’ mean age was 46.8 years (SD = 11.8), and most of them were
female, married and had incomplete or completed elementary education. The
following themes were found: perception of characteristics of medical
communication; feelings generated by communication; considerations about
specific questions in the QoC; family members’ needs; and strategies to
overcome needs regarding communication. Characteristics that facilitated
communication included attention and listening. Characteristics that made
communication difficult included aspects of information sharing, such as
inaccessible language; lack of clarity, objectivity, sincerity, and
agreement among the team; limited time; and inadequate location. Feelings
such as shame, helplessness, and sadness were cited when communication was
inadequate. Family members’ needs related to communication included more
details about the loved one’s diagnosis, prognosis, and health condition;
participation in decisionmaking; and being asked about feelings,
spirituality, dying and death. Others were related to longer visitation
time, psychological support, social assistance, and better
infrastructure.ConclusionIt is necessary to enhance medical communication and improve hospital
infrastructure to improve the quality of care for family members.