RESUMO
BACKGROUND: Quality improvement in the intensive care unit has transitioned from focusing on mortality to improving care and reducing morbidity. OBJECTIVE: This study prospectively investigated clinical and system drivers of family satisfaction in a large quaternary hospital ICU. METHODS: A validated tool was distributed to family members and a registry chart analysis was conducted. The aims were to assess associations with high or low family satisfaction to evaluate unit-level satisfaction. Candidate predictors were selected from univariate logistic regressions and finalized in a multivariate model by a stepwise selection approach. RESULTS: Overall, 75% (n = 188) of respondents (n = 250) indicated high satisfaction. Respondents with higher satisfaction had a Plan of the Day posted (OR = 3.3, 95% CI: 1.63, 6.89, p = 0.001), and did not live with the patient (OR =0.5, 95% CI: 0.25, 0.96, p = 0.044). CONCLUSION: This study indicates that communication and transparency of plans contributes to family satisfaction with ICU care.