The EPICS Family Bundle and its effects on stress and coping of families of critically ill trauma patients.

Aim: The aim of this study was to evaluate impact of the EPICS Family Bundle on stress and coping.

Background: Critical care nurses frequently deal with family stress, but may be without knowledge and skills needed to assist families to cope.

Methods: A non-equivalent control group design was used, with a convenience sample of 84 family members of critically ill patients.

Use of the internet in staff development and its application in helping critical care nurses to lower family stress.

A systematic review evaluated use of the Internet in nursing staff development and the feasibility of using the Internet to teach critical care nurses how to help families. Use of the Internet to provide staff development had varying success. The keys to success are careful development of the program according to needs and capabilities of the users, strong education pedagogical principles, and constant evaluation for success in order to make alterations as they are needed.