Telephone communication on the ICU: What nurses say to families

Introduction Families of patients consider timely, clear, and compassionate communication as an indicator of quality care in the ICU(1). Good communication with the family members of patients dying on the ICU can reduce the burden of bereavement, whilst better communication throughout the admission can improve the family experience of ICU in general (2). Nursing staff are major contributors to family communication through their frequent interactions at the bedside. Nursing staff also provide support to family members over the telephone.