Background: Earlier studies in developed and a few developing countries have documented experiences of family\nmembers with critically-ill patients. However, in Tanzania no documented studies could be found in this study area.\nThe aim of this study was therefore to explore the Tanzanian family members� perceived needs and level of\nsatisfaction with care of their critically-ill patients, in the intensive care units in the Muhimbili National Hospital.\nMethods: A descriptive cross-sectional study was undertaken, using a quantitative approach. A semi-structured\nquestionnaire was used to collect data. The sample size was 110 respondents, comprised of individuals who visited\ncritically-ill patients in the intensive care unit. Data were analyzed using SPSS Version 14.\nResults: The study revealed that 72 % of the family members perceived having a specific person to call at the\nhospital when a related family member was not available at the hospital as a very important need. Only 23 % of\nthe respondents perceived the need of talking about the possibility of their patients� death as very important. The\nnurses� provision of care to the patients of the family members was found to be satisfactory.\nConclusion: The perceived needs and level of satisfaction of family members of critically-ill patients calls for nurses\nto improve the quality of care to patients� family members, which in return will enhance the patient�s recovery.
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