OBJECTIVE: to identify whether or not adult clients would benefit from a companion when admitted to an Intensive Care Unit (ICU). The study variables included gender, age, marital status, educational level, disease acuity, and the number of admission to the ICU. METHODS: this was a descriptive study. Data were collected using semi-structured interviews. Participants included 138 adult clients admitted to an ICU for at least 24 hours. RESULTS:the majority of the participants were male (55.1%). Approximately 59% of the participants reported a preference for the presence of a companion. There was a significant association between a preference for a companion and the number of ICU admission (p = 0.03). There was also a significant association between the female gender and the preference for a companion (p = 0.05). The remaining variables were non-significant. CONCLUSION:the study's findings suggest the need to ask adult clients if they desire a companion on admission to an ICU.
Patient escort service; Intensive care unit; Nursing
