International Journal of Health Sciences
Vol. 4 No. 3 (2026): IJHS : International Journal of Health Sciences

The Effect Of Nurses' Therapeutic Approach On Reducing The Anxiety Level Of Families Of Critically ILL Patients In The ICU

Rahmat Pannyiwi (Republic of Indonesia Defense University, Indonesia)
Muh. Faizal Mardi Saleh (Mega Buana University , Palopo , Indonesia)



Article Info

Publish Date
31 Aug 2026

Abstract

Background : Admission of critically ill patients to the Intensive Care Unit (ICU) can cause anxiety among family members . Uncertainty about the patient's condition , unfamiliarity with the ICU environment , and limited communication May increase psychological stress . Therapeutic approaches by nurses can provide emotional support , information , and a sense of security to families. Objective : This study aimed to determine the effect of a nurse therapeutic approach on reducing anxiety levels among family members of critically ill patients in the ICU. Methods : This study used a quantitative quasi-experimental design with a one-group pretest-posttest approach . The respondents consisted of 40 families members of critically ill patients treated in the ICU. The nurse therapeutic approach included therapeutic communication , provision of information , active listening , emotional support , and opportunities for family members to express concerns . Anxiety was measured before and after the intervention using an anxiety questionnaire . Data were analyzed using the Wilcoxon Signed Rank Test. Results : Before the intervention , 27 respondents (67.5%) experienced moderate-to-severe anxiety . After the nurse therapeutic approach , only 10 respondents (25.0%) remained in the moderate-to-severe anxiety category . Statistical analysis showed a significant difference in anxiety levels before and after the intervention (p<0.001). Conclusion : The nurse therapeutic approach significantly reduced anxiety among family members of critically ill patients in the ICU. Therapeutic communication and emotional support should be integrated into holistic nursing critical care​ care settings .

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Journal Info

Abbrev

IJHS

Publisher

Subject

Dentistry Health Professions Medicine & Pharmacology Nursing Public Health

Description

International Journal of Health Sciences (IJHS) is an international peer-reviewed journal published by the Association of Teachers and Lecturers throughout Indonesia. This Journal of Health Sciences is open access and aims to share and promote the quality of community services by applying science ...