Much of the restriction in visitation has been in hospital areas such as critical care units, the Emergency Department (ED) and the Post Anesthesia Care Units (PACU). In the 1960s, the first critical care units were created. The United States Department of Health recommended that visitation be restricted to immediate family members for short periods of time. The belief was that visitation could have negative effects on patients, by affecting blood pressure, heart rate, and increasing intracranial pressure. Children were also excluded from visitation because of the fear that infections would be transmitted to patients. Through research, evidence is now available suggesting that less restricted visitation may be desired and actually beneficial. Family members have expressed the need to be physically with the patient in order to provide emotional support. Studies have shown that less restrictive visitation has demonstrated higher patient and family satisfaction and reports of fewer formal complaints from families. Research shows that nurses frequently base visitation practices on the patient needs, regardless of their institutional or unit policies. Literature supports less restrictive visitation to enhance patient and family satisfaction and most health care team members like open visitation. Less restrictive visitation policies have been implemented in the ED, critical care units, PACU, and acute care units. There are five critical care units that have all adopted visitation hours depending on the patient population, such as a medical versus surgical patients, and patient and family needs. Children of any age are allowed to visit as long as they are not currently ill.

See more of Moving the Evidence to the Bedside: Patient and Family Centered Care
See more of The 17th International Nursing Research Congress Focusing on Evidence-Based Practice (19-22 July 2006)