Patterns of Impatient's Families In the Intensive Care Units

중환자실 입원환자 가족 유형

This study, aimed to categorize pattern of impatient's families in the ICU and to provide useful data for development of family-supportive program was conducted from June, 12 to Aug., 28, using Q-method. After reviewing the literature the researcher proceeded to interview 4 impatient's families in the ICU, developed the statement from consisting of 38 items, and then 30 impatient's families in the ICU were sampled. The collected data were coded after having been scaled from 1 to 9 points, and analyzed using the PC QUANL program. Three types were identified; The first type focused on self-regret about the impatient, the second type of families had some concerns for their health, and the third type was thinking of preparing for their future-lives, such as insurance and savings. It was common to feel powerlessness, regret, compassion, grief and anxiety in all types. They wanted to be given some information, the prognosis of patient and the way to overcome. The study will offer better understanding for family-centered approach and be useful for the system of orientation about impatients and their families.