The Alfred Hospital faced communication challenges between staff and families during the COVID-19 pandemic, as visitors were restricted. To address this, an Intensive Care Unit (ICU) Family Liaison Nurse (FLN) role was introduced to relay information promptly.
The FLN contacted a majority of families, with 6536 families reached during the pandemic, averaging an 11-minute conversation. Initially, a 72-hour post-admission follow-up was conducted, but due to increased ICU capacity, this was modified.
Although the FLN role has concluded, it has provided a clearer understanding of what is now needed as part of ICU communication. The initiative won the Alfred Research Alliance Senior Medical Staff Nursing Research Award for best abstract, highlighting the importance of nursing research in enhancing patient care at The Alfred.
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