The patients say having family with them helped them feel more connected to their family. The patients viewed having a family member with them as their right in the hospital. The patients thought the experience took a toll on family members because they had to see what was happening to their loved ones. However, it also helped the family members because they had immediate information on their loved one's condition. The patients acknowledged that though it should be their right to have family with them, that there needs to be limitations so that family members conduct themselves properly.
Researchers conclude that nearly all patients find family visitation to be helpful.
They add that their study adds more evidence to the positive benefits of family visitation. They urge other health care providers to do the same. The research is published in May issue of the American Journal of Nursing .