Visiting the sick

This study described the lived experience of patients during family visits in the critical care setting. Using Colaizzi's method of phenomenology interviews were conducted on six critical care patients in their homes two days after discharge from the hospital. From the transcribed interviews, three themes emerged: (a) Family visits enhance patients' well-being; (b) Family visits provide patient support systems; and, (c) Family visits facilitate communication among patients, the health care team, and members of the family. Implications for nursing practice, nursing education, and research are presented.