Multicultural Intensive Care: A Cross-sectional Study on Family-centered Care in the United Arab Emirates

Implementing Family-Centered Care (FCC) is widely recognized in healthcare settings for its quality and safety benefits. However, FCC in intensive care units (ICUs), particularly in highly diverse contexts such as the United Arab Emirates (UAE), poses additional challenges due to differing languages, religions, and cultural backgrounds. This cross-sectional study explores the dynamics of family and visitor interactions in UAE ICUs, aiming to provide insights that inform FCC implementation.

Understanding the core needs of families with relatives in ICUs is essential for the successful adoption of FCC, highlighting key factors required for effectively navigating the ICU environment.

From May to July 2024, a comprehensive study was conducted in selected critical care facilities across the UAE, involving approximately 240 adult family members closely associated with patients undergoing life-saving interventions. Data were gathered using the Critical Care Family Needs Inventory (CCFNI) Support Questionnaire. The data analysis was also conducted at the descriptive and inferential statistics level using SPSS version 16 software.

Among the five domains of the CCFNI, the highest mean score was for Information (38.8 ± 5.1), followed by Comfort (37.0 ± 5.6) and Support (28.0 ± 4.0). Proximity (18.6 ± 3.0) and Assurance (18.9 ± 2.8) recorded the lowest scores. Although families valued being near the patient and receiving assurance about care, their emotional support, timely information, and comfort needs remained insufficiently met in the UAE context.

Emotional support, timely information, and comfort should be prioritized to advance FCC in UAE ICUs. These findings can guide future research and foster the development of tailored support initiatives addressing the diverse needs of families. Also recommended to adapt visitation guidelines to allow increased family presence, particularly for critically ill patients, while maintaining infection control measures.