The Effect Of Nurses' Therapeutic Approach On Reducing The Anxiety Level Of Families Of Critically ILL Patients In The ICU

Abstract

Background : Admission of critically ill patients to the Intensive Care Unit (ICU) can cause anxiety among family members . Uncertainty about the patient's condition , unfamiliarity with the ICU environment , and limited communication May increase psychological stress . Therapeutic approaches by nurses can provide emotional support , information , and a sense of security to families. Objective : This study aimed to determine the effect of a nurse therapeutic approach on reducing anxiety levels among family members of critically ill patients in the ICU. Methods : This study used a quantitative quasi-experimental design with a one-group pretest-posttest approach . The respondents consisted of 40 families members of critically ill patients treated in the ICU. The nurse therapeutic approach included therapeutic communication , provision of information , active listening , emotional support , and opportunities for family members to express concerns . Anxiety was measured before and after the intervention using an anxiety questionnaire . Data were analyzed using the Wilcoxon Signed Rank Test. Results : Before the intervention , 27 respondents (67.5%) experienced moderate-to-severe anxiety . After the nurse therapeutic approach , only 10 respondents (25.0%) remained in the moderate-to-severe anxiety category . Statistical analysis showed a significant difference in anxiety levels before and after the intervention (p<0.001). Conclusion : The nurse therapeutic approach significantly reduced anxiety among family members of critically ill patients in the ICU. Therapeutic communication and emotional support should be integrated into holistic nursing critical care​ care settings .