Effects of visit restriction in the COVID-19 pandemic: Experiences and perceptions of intensive care nurses.

BACKGROUND: The visit restrictions imposed as a result of COVID-19 precluded the entrance of the patient's family into the confines of the intensive care unit. AIM: This study evaluated the experiences of intensive care nurses (ICNs) regarding COVID-19 visit restrictions and their opinions on these restrictions. STUDY DESIGN: From May 2023 to July 2023, semi-structured interviews with 15 ICNs from intensive care units in a tertiary public hospital in Türkiye were conducted. Data were analysed using qualitative content analysis with an inductive approach. Reporting of the study followed the Consolidated Criteria for Reporting Qualitative Research (COREQ) checklist. RESULTS: The analysis revealed two main themes, 'widespread negative impacts of visit restrictions' and 'adaptive strategies to the visitation ban', and seven sub-themes supporting the main themes. Nurses perceived that the visit restrictions imposed during the COVID-19 pandemic had a severe negative effect on patients, their relatives, themselves and the care environment. They also did not support visit restriction in future pandemics. CONCLUSIONS: The COVID-19 visitation policy weakened the involvement of family members in patient care and created serious challenges in the intensive care setting. The study revealed an urgent need for patient-centred, family-sensitive and consistently applied protocols in future pandemics. RELEVANCE TO CLINICAL PRACTICE: In future pandemics, strategies such as the benefit-benefit ratio of the visit, the provision and use of adequate personal protective equipment, and vaccination requirements should be considered in visiting decisions of patients hospitalized because of infection. Participation of nurses responsible for patient care in decisions regarding visitor practices should be supported.

Long-term effects of flexible visitation in the intensive care unit on family members' mental health: 12-month results from a randomized clinical trial.

PURPOSE: The aim of this study was to assess the effects of flexible intensive care unit (ICU) visitation on the 1-year prevalence of post-traumatic stress, anxiety and depression symptoms among family members of critically ill patients. METHODS: This is a long-term outcome analysis of a cluster-crossover randomized clinical trial that evaluated a flexible visitation model in the ICU (12 h/day) compared to a restrictive visitation model (median 1.5 h/day) in 36 Brazilian ICUs. In this analysis, family members were assessed 12 months after patient discharge from the ICU for the following outcomes: post-traumatic stress symptoms measured by the Impact Event Scale-6 and anxiety and depression symptoms measured by the Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale. RESULTS: A total of 519 family members were analyzed (288 in the flexible visitation group and 231 in the restrictive visitation group). Three-hundred sixty-nine (71.1%) were women, and the mean age was 46.6 years. Compared to family members in the restrictive visitation group, family members in the flexible visitation group had a significantly lower prevalence of post-traumatic stress symptoms (21% vs. 30.5%; adjusted prevalence ratio [aPR], 0.91; 95% confidence interval [CI] 0.85-0.98; p = 0.01). The prevalence of anxiety (28.9% vs. 33.2%; aPR 0.93; 95% CI 0.72-1.21; p = 0.59) and depression symptoms (19.2% vs. 25%; aPR, 0.78; 95% CI 0.60-1.02; p = 0.07) did not differ significantly between the groups. CONCLUSION: Flexible ICU visitation, compared to the restrictive visitation, was associated with a significant reduction in the 1-year prevalence of post-traumatic stress symptoms in family members.

Experiences of Family Members With Visitation Prohibition for Critically Ill Patients.

BACKGROUND: Visitation plays a number of positive roles for critically ill patients and their families. It reduces the physical and mental stress of intensive care unit (ICU) patients and their families and allows family members to participate in patient care. Visit prohibition during the COVID-19 pandemic has raised unprecedented challenges to patients, family members, and health care providers. OBJECTIVE: This qualitative study aimed to explore the experiences of families of patients in the ICU with no-visitor policies due to COVID-19. METHODS: Data collection was conducted through 8 individual in-depth semi-structured interviews conducted between October 2021 and March 2022. Data analysis was performed following the qualitative method proposed by Colaizzi. The researchers independently analyzed the data, checked the findings, derived subthemes, and categorized them into overarching themes. RESULTS: Four themes emerged from the data analysis: (a) experiencing emotional distress, (b) being fearful of in-person patient contact, (c) being dissatisfied with the access control policy in the ICU, and (d) making efforts to reach the patient. CONCLUSIONS: It is critical to provide support and develop interventions for families denied visitation with loved ones in ICUs. Since in-person visits are crucial for families, hospitals should establish clear and reasonable visitation guidelines, communicate effectively with families, and offer alternative methods for them to connect with loved ones in the ICU.

Impact of restricted family presence during the COVID-19 pandemic on critically ill patients, families, and critical care clinicians: a qualitative systematic review.

BACKGROUND: We aimed to synthesize the qualitative evidence on the impacts of COVID-19-related restricted family presence policies from the perspective of patients, families, and healthcare professionals from neonatal (NICU), pediatric (PICU), or adult ICUs. METHODS: We searched MEDLINE, EMBASE, Cochrane Databases of Reviews and Clinical Trials, CINAHL, Scopus, PsycINFO, and Web of Science. Two researchers independently reviewed titles/abstracts and full-text articles for inclusion. Thematic analysis was completed following appraising article quality and assessing confidence in the individual review findings using standardized tools. RESULTS: We synthesized 54 findings from 184 studies, revealing the impacts of these policies in children and adults on: (1) Family integrated care and patient and family-centered care (e.g., disruption to breastfeeding/kangaroo care, dehumanizing of patients); (2) Patients, families, and healthcare professionals (e.g., negative mental health consequences, moral distress); (3) Support systems (e.g., loss of support from friends/families); and (4) Relationships (e.g., loss of essential bonding with infant, struggle to develop trust). Strategies to mitigate these impacts are reported. CONCLUSION: This review highlights the multifaceted impacts of restricted visitation policies across distinct care settings and strategies to mitigate the harmful effects of these policies and guide the creation of compassionate family presence policies in future health crises. REGISTRATION: https://www.crd.york.ac.uk/PROSPERO/display_record.php?RecordID=290263 .

Communication intervention for families in adult intensive care units during COVID-19 pandemic: A systematic review.

BACKGROUND: Restrictions on ICU family visitation during COVID-19 pandemic posed communication challenges for families, patients, and healthcare teams. Diverse approaches were used to overcome communication barriers. As ICUs begin to reinstate family visitation, it is timely to review the lessons learned from these interventions during the pandemic. OBJECTIVES: To identify and evaluate content and qualities of the studies that describe communication interventions for families of adult ICU patients during the COVID-19 pandemic. METHODS: Following the PRISMA guidelines, we searched PubMed, Embase, CINAHL, and Web of Science for studies that (1) involved communication intervention for families in adult ICU settings, (2) were published between January 2020 and September 2022, and (3) were published in English. We excluded studies that were not from peer-reviewed journal articles or in English. RESULTS: Of 2,628 articles initially identified, we reviewed the 23 selected studies (20 non-experimental and 3 experimental studies). Most of the studies were published in 2022 (n = 14, 60.9 %) and conducted in Europe (n = 13, 56.5 %). Various communication methods (e.g., video calls, telephone, applications) were used to provide information, emotional support, and virtual access to patients and their families. Video calls were the most frequently used intervention. Many interventions included healthcare teams providing updates on the patient's condition or treatment to the family. CONCLUSIONS: The COVID-19 pandemic prompted the adoption of diverse communication approaches for families in ICU settings, despite many limitations, including technical challenges. Insights gained from this experience will help expedite flexibility and diversity in designing communication interventions for ICU family members.

Experiences of parents visiting an adult family member in the intensive care unit accompanied by their underaged children: A qualitative study.

OBJECTIVES: The objective of this study was to explore experiences and needs of parents visiting critically ill family members in intensive care units (ICUs) accompanied by their underaged children (<18 years). METHODS: Six semistructured interviews with parents were conducted in a qualitative design. Data analysis and synthesis were performed using Braun and Clarke's thematic analysis. This study was conducted in five adult ICUs in Switzerland. FINDINGS: Parents opted for early and truthful involvement of their children, and the majority initiated the visits themselves. Five themes were identified: feeling of shock by the entire family; crying in front of the children; feeling welcome with the children; knowing that the children can cope with it; and holding the family together. Parents felt only partially welcomed in the ICU when accompanied by their children. In one case, the parents withdrew the child from the visit. CONCLUSIONS: Parents experienced the visit to a critically ill family member in the ICU with their underaged children as challenging. They were emotionally vulnerable and yet took the initiative to keep the family together. Parents had to mediate between their children, the critically ill family member, and the treatment team. Awareness of the needs of the parents visiting with underaged children is important in clinical practice. There is a need for family-centred structures and processes, including adequate visiting times and rooms suitable for children with books, pictures, and toys.

Nurses' Perceived Effects of Visitor Restrictions in Hospital Maternity Units.

PURPOSE: To explore how perinatal nurses perceive the effects of visitor restrictions on patient care within a hospital setting. STUDY DESIGN AND METHODS: We distributed a cross-sectional survey online to perinatal nurses in May of 2022. Characteristics of respondents were analyzed using descriptive statistics. Responses to an open-ended question were analyzed via conventional content analysis. RESULTS: Among our sample of 101 nurses, we identified seven codes representing positive effects and seven codes representing negative effects. The most frequently reported positive effects were ability to provide person-centered care ( n = 36, 35.6%) and less patient stress and more rest ( n = 29, 28.7%). The most frequently reported negative effects were limited patient support ( n = 22, 21.8%) and emotional distress to the patient ( n = 15, 14.9%). Fourteen percent ( n = 14) of respondents cited both positive and negative effects. CLINICAL IMPLICATIONS: Nurses perceived that visitor restrictions resulted in both positive and negative patient experiences. Balancing clinical needs and safety considerations with emotional needs of the childbearing individual requires careful consideration by maternity care clinicians and health care systems. Subsequent research is needed to determine optimal visitation policies during intrapartum and postpartum with consideration to hospital context and patient preferences for optimal care.

Experiences of family members when accompanying patients in intensive care units: A qualitative study.

BACKGROUND: Family members of Intensive Care Unit (ICU) patients encounter numerous challenges while providing companionship to their hospitalized loved ones. AIM: This study aims to explore the experiences of family members with loved ones hospitalized in ICUs. STUDY DESIGN: Qualitative research was conducted using a content analysis approach. Ten family members of ICU patients were recruited using purposive sampling. Data were collected through semi-structured, in-depth interviews and analysed following Graneheim and Lundman's suggested steps. FINDINGS: Analysis of interviews with ten family members of ICU patients revealed a theme of "challenging companionship on an obscure path," encompassing four categories (1-4) and nine subcategories (a, b and c). These included (1) the interplay between the patient and the family: a. family affected by the patient's condition; b. patient affected by the family's condition; (2) mixed emotions of apprehension and anticipation regarding ICU admission: a. fear of ICU hospitalization; b. hope for ICU hospitalization; (3) unaddressed needs and concerns: a. pressure from the ICU's visiting limitations; b. lack of a resting room to settle; c. vague information about the patient's condition; (4) two-way care suffering for families a. direct suffering associated with companionship; b. indirect suffering while observing the patients' suffering. CONCLUSIONS: Families of ICU patients encounter various challenges, revealing the complex interplay of emotions, needs and challenges within the ICU. This highlights the intricate dynamics in this critical health care environment. RELEVANCE TO CLINICAL PRACTICE: A holistic and empathetic approach in clinical practice is crucial in ICU care, particularly during the challenging journey patients and their families undergo in this critical setting. Health care systems and providers should adapt ICU rules to address evolving needs, alleviate concerns and enhance the overall family experience during their loved one's hospitalization in the ICU.

Remote visits to address loneliness for people living with dementia in care homes: A descriptive qualitative study of visitors' perceptions.

AIMS: To assess visitors' perceptions of the benefits and challenges related to engaging in a remote visit intervention, which was designed to address the loneliness of people living with moderate to severe dementia in care homes. DESIGN: A qualitative descriptive study. METHODS: Twenty-four people living with dementia in care homes in Canada and their family and friends (i.e., remote visitors) took part in facilitated remote visits in 2021. Each person living with dementia received scheduled visits for 30-60 min per week for 6 weeks. Participants chose to complete one longer visit, or multiple shorter visits, per week. Twenty remote visitors participated in semi-structured interviews after six weeks to discuss their perspectives on the effectiveness, benefits and challenges of the program in relation to addressing experiences of loneliness of the person living with dementia. Conventional content analysis was used to analyze the data. RESULTS: We describe three themes and several sub-themes. Themes support the use of remote visits to enhance, rather than replace, in-person visits; the benefits of remote visits for the person living with dementia and their remote visitors; and the conditions that lead to a successful remote visit. CONCLUSION: Remote visitors reported that facilitated visits had positive effects for both visitors and people living with dementia with respect to loneliness, communication, relationships, and social connection. IMPLICATIONS FOR PATIENT CARE: Clinicians can consider the factors that contributed to positive experiences of remote visits. The factors include individualized, facilitated visits that were flexible, and the use of reliable technology in a supportive, distraction-free environment. IMPACT: Loneliness and social isolation are growing health concerns. When experienced by people living with dementia residing in long-term care homes, loneliness and social isolation can result in lower levels of quality of life and well-being, and higher levels of anxiety and responsive behaviours. Remote visitors perceived that facilitated remote visits have the potential to address loneliness and improve quality of life for people living with dementia and also offer social support to remote visitors. The findings can impact clinician practice by guiding the use of remote visits in care homes, and inform future intervention research to evaluate the effectiveness of remote visits for people living with dementia and their remote visitors. REPORTING METHOD: This manuscript adheres to the relevant EQUATOR guidelines (the Consolidated criteria for reporting qualitative research or COREQ). PATIENT OR PUBLIC CONTRIBUTION: No patient or public contribution.

Impact of Visitor Restrictions on the Pain and Psychological Wellbeing of Palliative Care Patients: A Cohort Study.

Aim: Palliative care patients with advanced or life-threatening illnesses in hospital during the COVID-19 pandemic are likely to be affected by visitor restrictions (VR). We aimed to explore the impact of VR on patients' levels of physical pain and psychological distress. Design: Retrospective cohort study comparing two cohorts of patients admitted to a palliative care unit in a major metropolitan hospital in Australia; the first cohort from 1 April to 30 June 2019 (pre-pandemic; n = 96), and the second from 1 April to 30 June 2020 (during pandemic; n = 95). Methods: Patient-rated pain scores (using the Symptom Assessment Scale; SAS) and clinician-rated pain and psychological/spiritual severity scores (using the Palliative Care Problem Severity Score; PCPSS) on admission and on discharge or death were compared between pre-pandemic and pandemic cohorts. Discharge pain scores and change in scores from admission to discharge were also assessed via multivariable analyses. Results: Case-mix of patients in both cohorts were similar. After adjusting for demographics and functional status, pain scores in the pandemic cohort were higher for patients deceased on discharge, compared to the pre-pandemic cohort (SAS: coefficient = 0.86, 95%CI: 0.09 to 1.64, P = 0.029; PCPSS: coefficient = 0.24, 95%CI: -0.07 to 0.86, P = 0.131, respectively). Differences in SAS and PCPSS pain and psychological/spiritual scores for those discharged alive were not statistically significant. Conclusion: Among palliative care inpatients affected by VR, we observed higher pain scores for patients discharged deceased; suggesting that VR may have impacted the physical wellbeing (pain) of these patients.

Palliative care, COVID-19, and the suffering quotient.

OBJECTIVES: The COVID-19 pandemic presented many challenges for patients with palliative care needs and their care providers. During the early days of the pandemic, visitors were restricted on our palliative care units. These restrictions separated patients from their families and caregivers and led to considerable suffering for patients, families, and health-care providers. Using clinical vignettes that illustrate the suffering caused by visiting restrictions during the pandemic, the introduction of a new concept to help predict when health-care providers might be moved to advocate for their patients is introduced. METHODS: We report 3 cases of patients admitted to a palliative care unit during the COVID-19 pandemic and discuss the visiting restrictions placed on their families. In reviewing the cases, we coined a new concept, the "Suffering Quotient" (SQ), to help understand why clinical staff might be motivated to advocate for an exemption to the visiting restrictions in one situation and not another. RESULTS: This paper uses 3 cases to illustrate a new concept that we have coined the Suffering Quotient. The Suffering Quotient (SQ) = Perceived Individual (or small group) Suffering/Perceived Population Suffering. This paper also explores factors that influence perceived individual suffering (the numerator) and perceived population suffering (the denominator) from the perspective of the health-care provider. SIGNIFICANCE OF RESULTS: The SQ provides a means of weighing perceived patient and family suffering against perceived contextual population suffering. It reflects the threshold beyond which health-care providers, or other outside observers, are moved to advocate for the patient and ultimately how far they might be prepared to go. The SQ offers a potential means of predicting observer responses when they are exposed to multiple suffering scenarios, such as those that occurred during the COVID-19 pandemic.

Family presence during in-hospital cardiopulmonary resuscitation: effects of an educational online intervention on self-confidence and attitudes of healthcare professionals.

AIMS: Guidelines support family-witnessed resuscitation (FWR) during cardiopulmonary resuscitation in hospital if deemed to be safe, yet barriers amongst healthcare professionals (HCPs) still exist. This study aimed to evaluate the effects of an educational online video intervention on nurses' and physicians' attitudes towards in-hospital FWR and their self-confidence in managing such situations. METHODS AND RESULTS: A pre- and post-test quasi-experimental study was conducted October 2022 to March 2023 at six Swedish hospitals involving the departments of emergency care, medicine, and surgery. The 10 min educational video intervention was based on previous research covering the prevalence and outcome of FWR, attitudes of HCP, patient and family experiences, and practical and ethical guidelines about FWR.In total, 193 accepted participation, whereof 91 answered the post-test survey (47.2%) with complete data available for 78 and 61 participants for self-confidence and attitudes, respectively. The self-confidence total mean scores increased from 3.83 to 4.02 (P < 0.001) as did the total mean scores for attitudes towards FWR (3.38 to 3.62, P < 0.001). The majority (71.0%) had positive views of FWR at baseline and had experiences of in-hospital FWR (58.0%). Self-confidence was highest amongst participants for the delivery of chest compressions (91.2%), defibrillation (88.6%), and drug administration (83.3%) during FWR. Self-confidence was lowest (58.1%) for encouraging and attending to the family during resuscitation. CONCLUSION: This study suggests that a short online educational video can be an effective way to improve HCP's self-confidence and attitudes towards the inclusion of family members during resuscitation and can support HCP in making informed decisions about FWR.

Frontline nurses' experiences of managing visitor restrictions during the COVID-19 pandemic in a Danish university hospital - Lessons learned.

BACKGROUND: Worldwide visitor restrictions forced nurses to separate patients from their relatives. However, the experience of implementing shifting restrictions from the frontline nurses' perspectives in a Danish context has yet to be assessed. AIM: The aim of this descriptive qualitative study was to explore frontline nurses' experiences of managing shifting visitor restrictions in a Danish somatic university hospital during the COVID-19 pandemic. METHODS: An online questionnaire, including open-ended questions, was developed. Data were analysed using descriptive statistics and content analysis. FINDINGS: 116 nurses from 29 departments participated; they were informed about restrictions primarily by their charge nurses and hospital intranet. Shifting visitor restrictions compelled the nurses to constantly adjust and negotiate their practices. When deciding to suggest deviating from the restrictions, they shared their decision-making with colleagues. Visitor restrictions left the hospital environment quieter, but they also created a lack of overview and predictability, an emotional burden, and a negative impact on the quality of care. CONCLUSION: Restricting relatives' access challenged the nurses' professional values, and it seems to have affirmed their appreciation of relatives' role as important partners in contemporary hospital-based health care.

Views of family members on using video calls during the hospital admission of a patient: A qualitative study.

BACKGROUND: Utilization of video calls on hospital wards to facilitate involvement of and communication with family members is still limited. A deeper understanding of the needs and expectations of family members regarding video calls on hospital wards is necessary, to identify potential barriers and facilitate video calls in practice. AIM: The aim of this study was to explore the views, expectations and needs of a patient's family members regarding the use of video calls between family members, patients and healthcare professionals, during the patient's hospital admission. METHODS: A qualitative study was carried out. Semi-structured interviews with family members of patients admitted to two hospitals were conducted between February and May 2022. Family members of patients admitted to the surgical, internal medicine and gynaecological wards were recruited. RESULTS: Twelve family members of patients participated. Family members stated that they perceive video calls as a supplemental option and prefer live visits during hospital admission. They expected video calls to initiate additional moments of contact with healthcare professionals, e.g. to join in medical rounds. When deploying video calls, family members mentioned that adequate instruction and technical support by nurses should be available. CONCLUSION: Family members considered video calls valuable when visiting is not possible or to participate in medical rounds or other contacts with healthcare professionals outside of visiting hours. IMPLICATIONS: Family members need to be supported in options and use of video calls on hospital wards. Additional knowledge about actual participation in care through video calls is needed as well as the effect on patient, family and healthcare professional outcomes. IMPACT: Using video calls on hospital wards can provide family members with flexible alternatives for contact and promote family involvement. REPORTING METHOD: COREQ guidelines. PATIENT OR PUBLIC CONTRIBUTION: Family members of patients admitted to hospital have contributed by sharing their perspectives in interviews. WHAT DOES THIS PAPER CONTRIBUTE TO THE WIDER GLOBAL CLINICAL COMMUNITY?: Family members perceive additional value from the use of video calls on hospital wards. For family, use of video calls needs to be facilitated with clear instruction materials and support. TRIAL AND PROTOCOL REGISTRATION: Amsterdam UMC Medical Ethics Review Committee (ref number W21_508 # 21.560).

[Children visiting intensive care units and emergency departments : Kids are welcome!] / Besuche von minderjährigen Angehörigen in der Intensiv- und Notfallmedizin : Kinder als Besucher willkommen!

In this white paper, key recommendations for visitation by children in intensive care units (ICU; both pediatric and adult), intermediate care units and emergency departments (ED) are presented. In ICUs and EDs in German-speaking countries, the visiting policies for children and adolescents are regulated very heterogeneously: sometimes they are allowed to visit patients without restrictions in age and time duration, sometimes this is only possible from the age of teenager on, and only for a short duration. A request from children to visit often triggers different, sometimes restrictive reactions among the staff. Management is encouraged to reflect on this attitude together with their employees and to develop a culture of family-centered care. Despite limited evidence, there are more advantages for than against a visit, also in hygienic, psychosocial, ethical, religious, and cultural aspects. No general recommendation can be made for or against visits. The decisions for a visit are complex and require careful consideration.

Family caregivers' responses to a visitation restriction policy at a Korean surgical intensive care unit before and during the coronavirus disease 2019 pandemic.

BACKGROUND: Since the COVID-19 pandemic, restricting family visits in the ICU has increased concerns regarding negative psychosocial consequences to patients and families. OBJECTIVES: To compare the quality of life, depressive symptoms, and emotions in family caregivers of ICU patients before and during the COVID-19 pandemic, and to explore families' perceptions and suggestions for the visitation. METHODS: A cross-sectional descriptive survey was conducted in 99 family caregivers of adult surgical ICU patients from an urban academic medical center in South Korea (February to July 2021). The WHO's Quality of Life-BREF, Center for Epidemiologic Studies Depression, and Visual Analogue Scale were used to assess quality of life, depressive symptoms, and emotions, respectively. The Family Perception Checklist was used to assess families' perceptions and suggestions about the visitation restriction. Results were compared with the data from our previous survey (n = 187) in 2017. RESULTS: Family caregivers were mostly women (n = 59), adult children (n = 43) or spouse (n = 38) of patients with mean age of 47.34 years. Family caregivers surveyed during the pandemic reported worsening sadness (54.66 ± 28.93, 45.58 ± 29.44, P = 0.005) and anxiety (53.86 ± 30.07, 43.22 ± 29.02, P = 0.001) than those who were surveyed in. While majority of families were satisfied with the visitation restrictions (86.9%), only 50.5% were satisfied with the amount of information provided on the patient's condition. CONCLUSIONS: Visitation restriction is necessary during the COVID-19 pandemic despite sadness and anxiety reported in caregivers. Hence, alternative visitation strategies are needed to mitigate psychological distress and provide sufficient information to ICU family caregivers.

Visita à criança hospitalizada em terapia intensiva: vivências de irmãos reveladas por meio do brinquedo terapêutico dramático / Visita al niño hospitalizado en terapia intensiva: vivencias de hermanos revelado por el juego terapéutico dramático / Visiting a hospitalized child in intensive care: experiences of siblings revealed through the dramatic therapeutic play

Resumo Objetivo: compreender, por meio do brinquedo terapêutico dramático, o significado, para o irmão, de visitar a criança hospitalizada em terapia intensiva. Método: pesquisa qualitativa, modalidade fenomenológica, que utilizou o brinquedo terapêutico dramático para acessar às experiências dos irmãos. Foi realizada em Unidade de Terapia Intensiva Pediátrica do interior do estado de São Paulo, Brasil. Participaram das sessões de brinquedo terapêutico 11 irmãos menores de 10 anos, as quais foram analisadas à luz da Teoria do Amadurecimento. Resultados: os irmãos, tendo um lugar para brincar, dramatizaram situações, anteriormente, vividas, de seu cotidiano e da visita à criança hospitalizada. Ao viver, criativamente, revelaram que brincar é fazer a integração das experiências do "eu", favorecendo o continuar a ser diante da situação vivida. Conclusões e implicações para a prática: o Brinquedo Terapêutico Dramático compreendido à luz de um referencial teórico possibilitou que o irmão significasse a visita como uma experiência de integração do "eu", revelando emoções, desejos e preferências do cotidiano. Nesse sentido, o cuidado ao irmão da criança hospitalizada define-se pela oferta do brincar livre, para que ele demonstre o sentimento de continuar a ser em suas interações com o mundo, no qual o contexto hospitalar tornou parte da realidade.

Resumen Objeto: Comprender por medio del juego terapéutico dramático el significado, para el hermano, de la visita al niño hospitalizado en Terapia Intensiva Pediátrica. Método: Investigación cualitativa, modalidad fenomenológica, que utilizó el juego terapéutico dramático para comprender la experiencia del hermano. Se realizó en Unidad de Terapia Intensiva Pediátrica del interior del Estado de São Paulo, Brasil. Participaron de las sesiones de juego terapéutico 11 hermanos con menos de 10 años, quienes fueron analizados a la luz de la Teoría de la Maduración. Resultados: Los hermanos, al tener un lugar para jugar, dramatizaron situaciones anteriormente vividas, de su cotidiano y de la visita al niño hospitalizado. Al vivir de forma creativa, revelaron que jugar es permitir la integración de las experiencias del "yo", lo que favorece el concepto de seguir siendo, ante la situación vivida. Conclusiones e implicaciones para la práctica: El Juego Terapéutico Dramático comprendido a la luz de un referencial teórico hizo posible que el hermano entendiera la visita como una experiencia de integración del "yo", revelando emociones, deseos y preferencias cotidianas. En este sentido, el cuidado del hermano del niño hospitalizado se define por la oferta de juego libre, para que pueda demostrar su sentimiento de seguir siendo en sus interacciones con el mundo, en el que el contexto hospitalario se ha convertido en parte de la realidad.

Abstract Objective: to understand, by means of dramatic therapeutic play, the meaning, for the sibling, of visiting the child hospitalized in intensive care. Method: a qualitative research, phenomenological modality, which used the dramatic therapeutic play to access the siblings' experiences. It was carried out in a Pediatric Intensive Care Unit in the countryside of the State of São Paulo, Brazil. Eleven siblings under ten years of age participated in the therapeutic play sessions, which were analyzed in the light of the Theory of Maturation. Results: the siblings, having a place to play, dramatized previously lived situations, from their daily life and from the visit to the hospitalized child. By living creatively, they revealed that playing is to integrate the experiences of the "I", favoring the continuity of being in the face of the situation lived. Conclusions and implications for practice: the Dramatic Therapeutic Play understood in the light of a theoretical framework allowed the sibling to mean the visit as an experience of integration of the "I", revealing emotions, desires and preferences of daily life. In this sense, the care for the brother of the hospitalized child is defined by the offer of free play, so that he demonstrates the feeling of continuing to be in his interactions with the world, in which the hospital context has become part of reality.