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Critically ill patients' experiences of discomfort and comfort in the intensive care unit: A qualitative descriptive study.
Oyama, Yusuke; Yamase, Hiroaki; Fujita, Kyosuke; Tashita, Hiroshi; Honda, Tomoharu; Yoshida, Koji; Nagata, Akira.
Afiliación
  • Oyama Y; Nagasaki University Graduate School of Biomedical Sciences, 1-7-1 Sakamoto, Nagasaki-shi, Nagasaki 852-8520, Japan. Electronic address: osuke@nagasaki-u.ac.jp.
  • Yamase H; Yamaguchi University Department of Health Sciences, Graduate School of Medicine, 1-1-1 Minamikogushi, Ube-shi, Yamaguchi 755-8505, Japan.
  • Fujita K; Nagasaki University Hospital, 1-7-1 Sakamoto, Nagasaki-shi, Nagasaki 852-8520, Japan.
  • Tashita H; Nagasaki University Hospital, 1-7-1 Sakamoto, Nagasaki-shi, Nagasaki 852-8520, Japan.
  • Honda T; Nagasaki University Hospital, 1-7-1 Sakamoto, Nagasaki-shi, Nagasaki 852-8520, Japan.
  • Yoshida K; Nagasaki University Graduate School of Biomedical Sciences, 1-7-1 Sakamoto, Nagasaki-shi, Nagasaki 852-8520, Japan.
  • Nagata A; Ehime University Graduate School of Medicine Nursing and Health Science Course, 454 Shitsukawa, Toon-shi, Ehime 791-0295, Japan.
Aust Crit Care ; 2024 Sep 19.
Article en En | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-39304405
ABSTRACT

BACKGROUND:

The physiological state of critically ill patients is severely impaired by illness or trauma and is uncomfortable. Such experiences cause long-term anxiety and post-traumatic stress disorder.

OBJECTIVE:

This study aimed to understand discomfort and comfort based on the experiences of critically ill adult patients in the intensive care unit and to explore ways to improve their comfort.

METHODS:

This qualitative descriptive study was conducted with 15 critically ill patients (age range 46-81 years; six females) in the intensive care unit using semistructured interviews and participant observation. The data collected were analysed using Braun and Clarke's thematic analysis. Data were collected from the intensive care unit and general ward of a university hospital in Japan.

FINDINGS:

Six themes related to discomfort and comfort were identified. The three themes related to discomfort were "overlapping uncertainties", "being unable to control physical discomfort", and "having to endure psychologically and situationally". The three themes related to comfort were "feeling connected brings calm", "routine care relieves pain and thirst", and "ease when one can decide for oneself". Participants' discomfort involved physical and psychological factors and was related to treatments, procedures, care, and the environment. Moreover, more than half of the patients endured unmet needs. Comfort was brought about by providing routine care for physical discomforts that critically ill patients often experience, feeling alive and connected to others and encouraging independence.

CONCLUSION:

Recognising the potential for physical and psychological discomfort, as well as communication and other difficulties, in critically ill patients is crucial. Patients may also experience discomfort when healthcare providers take the lead, which underscores the importance of involving patients in their care. By showing respect for patients' intentions and involving them in decision-making, healthcare providers can improve patient comfort and promote a more collaborative approach to care.
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Texto completo: 1 Colección: 01-internacional Base de datos: MEDLINE Idioma: En Revista: Aust Crit Care Asunto de la revista: ENFERMAGEM / TERAPIA INTENSIVA Año: 2024 Tipo del documento: Article Pais de publicación: Australia
Texto completo
Añadir a Mi BVS
Imprimir
XML
PubMed Links
Buscar en Google

Texto completo: 1 Colección: 01-internacional Base de datos: MEDLINE Idioma: En Revista: Aust Crit Care Asunto de la revista: ENFERMAGEM / TERAPIA INTENSIVA Año: 2024 Tipo del documento: Article Pais de publicación: Australia