Impact of different visiting policies on family satisfaction in two Spanish ICUs before and during COVID-19

Abstract

Dear Editor, Engaging relatives in the care of critically ill patients is associated with better outcomes. This reflects the importance of family-centred care (FCC) to deliver high-quality care in intensive care units (ICUs) [1]. Restricted visiting in ICU during COVID-19 pandemic has left family members unable to visit their loved ones [2, 3]. In our cross-sectional study, designed to validate the EMpowerment of PAtients in THe Intensive Care-Family (EMPATHIC-F) questionnaire, we collected data in two Spanish ICUs between November 2019 and May 2020 [4]. Here we report a secondary analysis demonstrating the impact of restricted visiting policies during COVID-19 on family satisfaction and providing evidence to support the ICU team to return, or change, to open visiting policies.