Table 7.

Family Member Responses

Response	Definition
Cope	FM indicated that the behaviors made them “feel better” or “deal with” the situation. Includes an expressed ability to be able to rest and sleep or take care of themselves. Also includes ability to provide support to other family members.
Closure	FM indicated that the behaviors led to their being able to feel at peace with the death of their loved one without a sense of unfinished business
Make Decisions	FM indicated that the behaviors helped them to make EOL decisions
Accept	FM indicated that the behaviors helped them to accept that the patient was dying
Afraid to Ask Questions	FM indicated that behaviors led them to feel uncomfortable or afraid to ask questions. FM indicated that they felt like they were a bother
Comfortable Asking Questions	FM indicated that behaviors led to their ability to feel comfortable and to be encouraged to ask questions
Confidence in Nurse	FM indicated that the behaviors contributed to their ability to trust that the nurse would provide skilled and personalized care to the patient
Difficulty Coping	FM indicated that the behaviors caused them to experience distress, anxiety, anger, or other strong emotions
Dissatisfied	FM indicated that the behaviors led to their feeling dissatisfied with the care by that nurse
Feel Judged	FM indicated that the behaviors caused them to feel that the nurse had a negative view of the FM’s decisions or actions.
Hopeful	FM indicated that the behaviors led to their ability to have hope. Hope may include hope that patient would get better, hope that patient would get good care, hope that patient not suffer, or hope that the FM would be cared for with love and concern.
Informed	FM indicated that the behaviors helped them to understand the patient’s condition.
Lack of Trust and Confidence	FM indicated that the behaviors caused them to have a fear that they and/or their loved one would not receive the care that they wanted or needed.
Personal Connection	FM indicated that behavior allowed them feel the sense that the nurse was more than just a person taking care of their loved one’s physical needs.
Prepared	FM indicated that the behaviors helped them to feel emotionally and cognitively prepared to hear the news that their loved one would not survive.
Trust in Nurse	FM indicated that the behaviors gave them a sense that the nurse would be there for them to provide information and support.
Uninformed	FM indicates that behaviors led to their lack of understanding or misunderstanding the condition of the patient
Unprepared	FM indicates that the behaviors led to them feeling unprepared for hearing news that the patient was not going to survive. Might have led to dismay or confusion.
Delay Decision-Making	FM indicates that behaviors led to a delay in the decision to withdraw or withhold life support.

Note. FM = Family Member