Physician team verbal communication: perceptions and needs of visitors at an adult intensive care unit - DOI: 10.4025/actascihealthsci.v25i2.2233

Abstract

The present study, consisted by 27 subjects, investigated the content and the forms of verbal communication between physician team and visitors of an Adult Intensive Care Unit (ICU). Data were collected through a structured interview after written consent. The results showed that 8 subjects did not understand all information given, 24 did not receive written information, 25 were not requested to do feedback and 12 did not feel free to make questions. Regarding to what was informed to the visitors, they mentioned topics concerning: the disease (22); exams results and treatment (8 respectively). Some visitors (14) affirmed that they would like to receive information about the client general condition and 8 referred to the prognostic. The most mentioned suggestions for improvement were: receiving more details regarding to the client general condition, an overture to make questions and written information. In conclusion, the communication process between these groups needs to be optimized. Therefore, the interdisciplinary perspective is suggested.