New guide for families in adult intensive care units

A step forward toward person and family-centred care 

We are pleased to announce the launch of the new MUHC Family Guide – Intensive Care Unit (ICU), which is currently being rolled out across all adult ICU sites. The guide is available under Family presence and visiting guidelines. Posters with QR codes providing access to the guide are also displayed in patient rooms in some units.
 

A truly collaborative project 

This initiative is the result of extensive collaboration and was co-developed with a wide range of committed partners, including: 

• patient partners, whose input was essential in ensuring the guide truly meets families’ needs 
• nursing and medical leaders from the intensive care units 
• leaders from the Nursing Directorate and from Applied Ethics, Patient Engagement and Cultural Safety 
• library, multimedia, and printing teams 

Why a guide for families? 

Having a loved one hospitalized in the ICU is often a time of stress and uncertainty for families. This guide aims to: 

• provide clear, consistent, accessible and reassuring information 
• support families in their role alongside their loved one 
• promote a compassionate and consistent approach to family presence 
• facilitate communication between care teams and families. 

This project will continue to evolve to better meet the needs of families and clinical teams, with a condensed version of the guide available as a brochure.