American journal of critical care : an official publication, American Association of Critical-Care Nurses
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Editorial Historical Article
From asclepius to hippocrates: the art and science of healing.
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Randomized Controlled Trial
Clinicians' perceptions of the usefulness of a communication facilitator in the intensive care unit.
Despite its documented importance, communication between clinicians and patients' families in the intensive care unit often fails to meet families' needs, and interventions to improve communication are needed. Use of a communication facilitator-an additional staff member-to improve communication between clinicians and patients' families is the focus of an ongoing randomized trial. The clinical team's acceptance of the communication facilitator as an integral part of the team is important. ⋯ Clinicians in the intensive care unit saw the facilitator intervention as enhancing communication and supporting both patients' families and clinicians. They also identified the importance of the facilitator within the interdisciplinary team. Negative perceptions about the use of a facilitator should be addressed before the intervention is implemented, in order to ensure its effectiveness.