Methods: This study was conducted in a cardiovascular surgeryintensive care unit between May 2014 and August 2014 using a qualitative and phenomenological study design. Eighteen volunteer relatives were included in the study. Data were collected using an introductory information questionnaire and a semi-structured interview questionnaire. Individual and face-to-face interviews were carried out and tapes were recorded.

Results: The mean age of the patients was 67.1±11.5, 61.1% were males, and 66.7% were hospitalized in the intensive care unit due to heart failure. The mean intensive care unit duration was 11.0±5.8 days. The majority of the relatives were females (72.2%), 38.9% were in the 31-50 age group, 61.1% were elementary school graduates, most (61.1%) were unemployed, and 55.6% were sons or daughters of the patients. Content analysis of the relatives’ statements revealed two themes; “barriers” and “expectations”, and four categories including two categories for each theme. These categories were defined as “restriction of visits”, “visitation hours and frequency”, “information and communication” and “religious and traditional needs”. Most participants reported that they encountered various restrictions on visitation, they were not informed sufficiently, and they were not fully allowed for their religious and traditional practices for their patients.

Conclusion: Relatives experience various restrictions during the intensive care unit stay of their patients in terminal phase. We conclude that it is beneficial to consider relatives’ expectations in the regulation of visitation.