Objective To identify the care experiences of family members of the critically ill during different phases of disease. Methods Using the phenomenological study technique, 36 family members of the critically ill patient in different phases of disease were studied through non-structured interviews,then data were analyzed by means of content analysis. Results Family members experienced strong stress reaction in diagnosis period, inadequate information support in treatment period, and insufficient humanistic management in ICU-transfer-out preparation period. They also advocated hospice care in ter...
