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. During the control phase, participants completed tools measuring stress and coping. The intervention included use of the EPICS Family Bundle. After implementation, participants completed the same tools as those administered during the control phase. Outcomes were analyzed using independent-sample t-tests.

Results: The experimental group had a significantly higher coping score on two subscales; and although not statistically significant, it was also improved on an additional four.

Conclusion: After implementation of the intervention, families experienced improved coping. The study may have lacked sufficient power to detect all differences.