Effect of a transitional care program on patient and family satisfaction during ICU-to-ward transfer: A non randomized controlled trial

Ensuring the quality of care requires measuring patient and family satisfaction. The purpose of this study was to determine the effect of the transitional care program on patient and family satisfaction during the transition from the intensive care unit to the general ward. Sixty-two candidates for transfer from the intensive care unit to the general ward participated in this non-randomized clinical trial. The convenience sampling method was used to select them. The control group received standard care and was monitored accordingly. In addition to routine care, the intervention group received the tailored multidisciplinary transitional care program included: 1-waiting for transfer, 2-support, gradual reduction of dependency and increase of autonomy, 3- communication and strengthening of the triad of care, and 4-continuation of integrated and need-based care. Patient and family satisfaction questionnaires were completed on the day of discharge. The results were analyzed using descriptive and inferential statistical tests. A significance level of p < 0.05 was applied. The results showed that the proposed transitional care program significantly increased the patient and family satisfaction in most sub-scales except for technical-professional care; however, the results should be interpreted cautiously considering the study’s limited sample size and single-center design. Therefore, nurses may implement this intervention as a suitable and applicable care plan, taking into account the different dimensions of patient and family satisfaction.