Air medical transport: what the family wants to know.

ABSTRACT

INTRODUCTION: The needs of family members of intensive care unit patients are well-documented, but there is little published about the specific needs of family members of air medical patients. PURPOSE: This study was devised to identify family member's information needs regarding air medical transport. METHODS: Using a descriptive correlational design, 100 family members of air medical patients completed a 14-item Likert-format questionnaire. Each item addressed an information need and asked how important the information was to the family member and how much of this information they received. RESULTS: The information needs most frequently ranked as very important related to the patient's condition, the patient's admitting unit at the receiving hospital, and being able to see the patient prior to flight. Information most frequently received by the family related to the patient's condition. CONCLUSION: Flight crews need to be cognizant of families' needs and develop ways to improve communication with the family to meet those needs.