Objectives. Implementation and valuation of the family member participation in the critically ill patient care.Methodology. Experimental, longitudinal and prospective study, temporal series, with a random control group. This family implication program will be valued according to three dependent parameters: patient, family carer and nursing staff.
Patient: cognitive state, measured by using the Mini-mental state examination test. Family visitor: family principal carer anxiety state levels, measured using STAI test. Nursing staff: nurses' beliefs about changes introduced in the ICU, valued using attitude Likert type scale.Hypothesis. A family participation program design and implementation in the basic care in the critic patient has positive and significantly influence in the patient, family career and nursing staff.Results. The sample was of 117 cases; 49 in control group, 49 in experimental group and 19 no valid. The STAI test obtained in the experimental group a mean of 23.57 against control group of 31.22 (p <.005). Minimental test was a mean of 23.43 for control group and 24.61 for experimental group. Nursing staff thinks the open visit provides emotional support (p =.005). Although they think the pain perception is great with the family presence (p =.013). The family satisfaction grows up (p =.026). Nursing staff thinks they are more prepared to have a better relationship with the family (p =.021). The belief that the open visit produces a bigger physics and psychic burden is decreasing (p =.03).Conclusions. The anxiety levels are decreasing significantly. The cognitive state is not modified in the experimental group against the control group after the intervention. The nursing staff believes are better respect the open visit.