Exploring the Educational Needs of Patients’ Families Nearing Discharge From Intensive Care Units: A Qualitative Study

Background: Families of patients transitioning from the intensive care unit (ICU) to home care encounter numerous challenges. Nurses play a pivotal role in supporting these families, and identifying their educational needs is crucial for optimal patient care postdischarge. This study aimed to explore the educational needs of patients' families on the eve of discharge from special care units. Materials and Methods: A qualitative study was conducted using purposive sampling, involving 17 families of patients nearing discharge from ICUs in hospitals in eastern Guilan, Iran. Semistructured and in-depth interviews were conducted until data saturation. Data were analyzed using conventional content analysis, guided by the Graneheim and Lundman (2004) model, with MAXQDA 2007 software. Results: Data analysis resulted in the identification of 48 initial codes, which were categorized into three main categories named "Care in the shadow of fear and worry" with two subcategories (feeling worried and fear of providing independent patient care), "Perceived need for ongoing education" with two subcategories (concerns regarding complex/technical care procedures and needs for education on daily care and well-being management), and "Family evaluations of training: satisfaction and perceived adequacy" with two subcategories (satisfaction with training and dissatisfaction with the adequacy of training). Conclusions: This study highlights the significant emotional burden and worries experienced by family members as they prepare for their patient's discharge from the ICU. Healthcare providers must address these concerns and offer ongoing education and support to enhance home care safety and competence.