Understanding and addressing a ‘difficult’ family in ICU

Critical Care volume 29, Article number: 22 (2025)

Published: 13 January 2025

 

Abstract

Conflicts between ICU staff and patient/relatives are common and are a source of additional stress in an already tense environment. These conflicts vary from disagreements to serious controversies, which may lead to legal process or even violence. Unsuccessful communication is recognised as a common denominator for such disagreements. Both conflict prevention and conflict management/resolution rely on understanding and addressing the main reasons behind it. Using a case-example, we propose a ‘mentalisation-based’ approach to family meetings may improve communication and decrease conflict.