Nurses' Attitudes Toward Family-Centered Care in Post-Anesthesia Care Units: A Nationwide Study in Dutch University Hospitals.
TL;DR
PACU nurses report neutral to somewhat hesitant attitudes toward involving family in adult perioperative care, but their recognition of families as a valuable resource and not as a burden suggests opportunities for improved collaboration.
Abstract
Purpose
This study was conducted to gain insight into nurses' attitudes toward Family-Centered Care for adult patients in Post-Anesthesia Care Units (PACUs) of Dutch university hospitals and to explore factors that are associated with these attitudes.
Design
A nationwide, cross-sectional study was performed.
Methods
An online questionnaire, including the Dutch Families' Importance in Nursing Care-Nurses' Attitudes Revised (FINC-NA-R), was distributed to PACU nurses. Workplace data were collected via contacts from all Dutch university hospitals. The data were analyzed using descriptive statistics, univariable, and multivariable multilevel linear regression analyses.
Findings
A total of 196 eligible PACU nurses (47% response rate) completed the Dutch FINC-NA-R. The mean attitude score was 46.5 (SD 12.2) on the 100-point scale. Nurses showed moderately positive attitudes toward viewing families as a valuable resource in nursing care (mean 59.2, SD 15.6) and not as a burden (mean 57.7, SD 18.5). In contrast, they were less supportive of promoting family involvement (mean 34, SD 14.5) or building family resilience (mean 41.2, SD 13.6). Pediatric specialization was significantly associated with more positive attitudes toward FCC overall and on the "Promoting Family Involvement" subscale, while older age and greater work experience were associated with less positive attitudes on this subscale.
Conclusions
PACU nurses report neutral to somewhat hesitant attitudes toward involving family in adult perioperative care. Nevertheless, their recognition of families as a valuable resource and not as a burden suggests opportunities for improved collaboration. Achieving meaningful family involvement in the PACU will require investment in a supportive culture, staff training, and active engagement of patients and families in shaping care practices.