Qualitative analysis of an intensive care unit family satisfaction survey in Norway

Introduction Most patients survive an Intensive Care Unit stay, but due to the illness itself or sedation they might have impaired cognition of the ICU stay. Thus it is difficult to explore these patients’ experiences of quality of care and treatment. Their closest relatives, however, often visit the patient and spend time bedside. A study has shown correspondence between patients’ and relatives’ experiences [1]. Relatives’ experiences of ICU care can therefore be important in assessing quality of care. Knowledge about relatives’ experiences of care and treatment given to the patient can be used to improve the quality of ICU care [2], [3].