Abstract: Objective: To systematically evaluate the experiences of the family members of patients using ICU diary. Methods: Chinese and English databases including PubMed, CINAHL, Web of Science, CNKI, WanFang Data and VIP were searched for qualitative studies related to the impact of ICU diaries on critically ill patients and families from inception to March 2020. Two researchers independently screened, evaluated, and extracted the data. Meta synthesis was used to summarize and explain the results. Results: A total of 7 studies were included, 33 findings were integrated into 6 categories and finally 3 synthesized results were summarized: building a bridge of communication, obtaining emotional experience and experiencing humanistic care. Conclusion: The application of ICU diaries embodies the theory of holistic patient-and family-centered care, which fulfilled needs of family members of critically ill patients with information and support.

Key words: ICU diary; family members; qualitative study; systematic review