English summary: INFORMATION GIVEN TO A CRITICAL PATIENT´S NEXT OF KIN

Background

According to earlier research, informing the next of kin of an intensive care patient has been known to be important; however, little has been known of what the next of kin should be told and how. This article describes the information given by nursing staff to the next of kin of a critically ill patient.

Methods

Data were collected from next of kins, registered nurses and doctors by theme interviews, essay questionnaires and diaries. Data were analysed by using a continued comparative method.

Results

The results showed that it is important not to withhold information but to be open. This means giving sufficient and real-time information to the next of kin. The next of kin needs both descriptive and interpretive information about the patient and his or her treatment as well as nursing. This information needs to be truthful and current and it should be given in a sensitive way. The content and the quality of information depend on the next of kin¥s situation and his or her ability to receive information.

Conclusions

This research confirms earlier results that the given information is important to the next of kin when a patient is in an intensive care unit.