Electronic ArticleAnxiety, depression, and satisfaction in close relatives of patients in an open visiting policy intensive care unit in Brazil

PurposeThe purpose of the study is to evaluate the satisfaction and symptoms of anxiety and depression in family members in an open visiting intensive care unit (ICU).Material and methodsA prospective study conducted in a 22-bed mixed ICU in a tertiary hospital in Sao Paulo, Brazil. Family members were enrolled 2 days after admission, and they completed a modified version of Critical Care Family Needs Inventory and the Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale (HADS).ResultsA total of 471 families were interviewed between March 2011 and 2013. Prevalence of anxiety and depression were of 34% and 17%, respectively. We found a high satisfaction score, median of 13 (12-14), and 5% of families were dissatisfied. The daily visiting time was 12 (8-22) hours, and until 10 hours per day, there was a positive association between visiting hours and satisfaction (P = .004). Dissatisfied families reported higher rates of anxiety and depression (P < .001). Visiting hours presented negative interaction between HADS and Critical Care Family Needs Inventory. Patients' severity had a trend toward dissatisfaction (P = .08) and affected emotional disorders (P < .001).ConclusionsFamily members in an open visit ICU reported low rates of symptoms of anxiety and depression and high satisfaction. Visiting hours were associated with the satisfaction score and were a protective factor for family members with higher HADS score.