Family Fear

“a …motivated state where …threat guides behavior. ..A defensive response to perceived threat or result of exposure to an environmental reminiscent of the original fear experience.” Critical attributes include a focus on the threat and behavioral change with feelings of dread, scared and frightened (Bay & Algase, 1999).  Acknowledge the illness experience may pose fear and threats to the family unit and individual family member

·        Create opportunities for nurse to be viewed as resource

·        Use nurse presence techniques of eye contact, appropriate touch, and reassuring voice

·        Encourage discussion regarding fears of the individual and family experience

·        Provide assurances and explanations

·        Provide thorough explanations of environment and event

·        Reassure family that fear is understandable and expressing fears may be helpful

·        Empower family members to search for protective factors

·        Take actions to minimize fear from family waiting, uncertainty, and distresses