Making sense of it: intensive care patients' phenomenological accounts of story construction

The experiences of cardiac arrest survivors and their key supporters following cardiac arrest: A systematic review and meta-ethnography

AIM

To review qualitative studies on the experience of sudden cardiac arrest survival from the perspective of both survivors and their key supporters, including family/close friends.

METHODS

A seven-step meta-ethnography and synthesis of qualitative evidence was undertaken, informed by the Meta-Ethnography Reporting Guidelines (eMERGe). Four major databases were searched (Medline, EMBASE, CINAHL, PsycINFO; January 1995-January 2022, updated July 2023) for qualitative studies exploring survivors' and/or key supporters' experiences of cardiac arrest survival. The Critical Appraisal Skills Programme checklist and Grading of Recommendations Assessment, Development and Evaluation - Confidence in Evidence from Reviews of Qualitative Research (GRADE-CERQual) were applied to evaluate the overall confidence in research findings. Constructs were identified from each paper, informing theme and sub-theme development.

RESULTS

From 15,917 unique titles/abstracts and 196 full-text articles, 32 met the inclusion criteria. Three themes captured the survivors' experiences: 1) Making sense of my cardiac arrest; 2) Learning to trust my body and mind; and 3) Re-evaluating my life. A further three themes reflected key supporters' experiences: 1) Emotional turmoil; 2) Becoming a carer: same person but different me; and 3) Engaging with a new and unknown world. However, limited data and some methodological weaknesses in included studies reduced confidence in several themes. The findings were conceived within the overarching concept of 'negotiating a new normal'.

CONCLUSIONS

The enduring psychosocial and physical sequelae of cardiac arrest survival substantially impacts the lives of survivors and their key supporters, requiring negotiation of their 'new normality'. The need for sense-making, physical and psychological recovery, and the new roles for key supporters should be strong considerations in the development of future interventions.

Exploring perceptions regarding family-based delirium management in the intensive care unit

Background

Delirium is a common complication in patients treated in the intensive care unit (ICU). Family members can help alleviate patient anxiety and may be able to aid in the management of delirium. This study aimed to explore the perceptions of former ICU patients and their families together, regarding the involvement of family in delirium management.

Method

Nine audio-recorded, semi-structured interviews took place with former ICU patients together with a family member. Participants were interviewed after their intensive care follow-up clinic appointment in an East Midlands hospital in England. Interviews were transcribed, coded and analysed using thematic analysis.

Results

Three themes were identified: 'understanding about delirium'; 'influencers of delirium management: family and healthcare professionals' and 'family-based delirium care'. Participants expressed that family have a valuable role to play in the management of delirium in the ICU. However, education and guidance is needed to support the family in how delirium can be managed and the current treatment options available. It is important for ICU staff to gain an understanding of the patient's life and personality to personalise delirium management to the needs of the patient and their family.

Conclusion

This study found that family presence and knowledge about the patient may be beneficial to delirium management in the ICU. Further research should investigate the effectiveness of the strategies and interventions to understand their influence on delirium management in ICU patients.

Perceived Severity of Stressors in the Intensive Care Unit: A Systematic Review and Semi-Quantitative Analysis of the Literature on the Perspectives of Patients, Health Care Providers and Relatives

The aim of this study was to synthesize quantitative research that identified ranking lists of the most severe stressors of patients in the intensive care unit, as perceived by patients, relatives, and health care professionals (HCP). We conducted a systematic literature search in PubMed, MEDLINE, EMBASE, PsycInfo, CINAHL, and Cochrane Library from 1989 to 15 May 2020. Data were analyzed with descriptive and semi-quantitative methods to yield summarizing ranking lists of the most severe stressors. We synthesized the results of 42 prospective cross-sectional observational studies from different international regions. All investigations had assessed patient ratings. Thirteen studies also measured HCP ratings, and four studies included ratings of relatives. Data indicated that patients rate the severity of stressors lower than HCPs and relatives do. Out of all ranking lists, we extracted 137 stressor items that were most frequently ranked among the most severe stressors. After allocation to four domains, a group of clinical ICU experts sorted these stressors with good to excellent agreement according to their stress levels. Our results may contribute to improve HCPs' and relatives' understanding of patients' perceptions of stressors in the ICU. The synthesized stressor rankings can be used for the development of new assessment instruments of stressors.

The core of patient-participation in the Intensive Care Unit: The patient's views

OBJECTIVES

Patient participation is an established concept in public welfare. However, reports of the phenomenon of patient participation during intensive care from the patient's point of view are scarce. Therefore, the aim of this study was to explore the meaning of patient participation in the intensive care unit from the patient's perspective.

RESEARCH DESIGN

A qualitative design was used for the purpose of the study with a purposive convenient sample of nine adult patients with memories from their intensive care stay.

METHOD

Data was collected through individual interviews and analysed using a phenomenological hermeneutical method.

FINDINGS

The results of our study show a variety of meanings and degrees of participation that continuously move on a sliding scale from acting as a captain to feelings of being on an isolated island. Patient participation varied due to individual cognitive abilities and individual preferences, and the caregiver's attention altered between the body and the person through the continuum of care.

CONCLUSION

Patient participation during ICU care is more than participation in decision-making processes or direct patient care decisions. An understanding of the concept participation from the individual patient is necessary to support person centred care and the patient's relatives play an important role in during the entire care process.

Effect of Nurse-Led Consultations on Post-Traumatic Stress and Sense of Coherence in Discharged ICU Patients With Clinically Relevant Post-Traumatic Stress Symptoms-A Randomized Controlled Trial

OBJECTIVES

To investigate the effect of nurse-led consultations on reducing post-traumatic stress symptoms and increasing sense of coherence in discharged ICU patients with clinically relevant post-traumatic stress symptoms and to identify variables associated with symptoms 12 months later.

DESIGN

A pragmatic nonblinded randomized controlled trial.

SETTINGS

Five surgical and medical ICUs at Oslo University Hospital.

PATIENTS

Adult patients treated in the ICU greater than or equal to 24 hours were screened with Post-Traumatic Stress Scale 10 intensive part B after ICU discharge. Those scoring greater than or equal to 25 were included in the study.

INTERVENTION

Patients randomized to intervention group were offered three nurse-led consultations within 2 months, and patients in the control group received standard care.

MEASUREMENTS AND MAIN RESULTS

Sense of Coherence Scale 13 and Post-Traumatic Stress Scale 10 intensive part B were completed after inclusion, and reevaluated after 3, 6, and 12 months. Linear mixed model for repeated measures and linear regression analyses were performed. Among 523 screened patients, 111 and 113 were randomized to intervention group and control group, respectively. Mean Post-Traumatic Stress Scale 10 intensive part B score was 37 (±10) before randomization. No differences in post-traumatic stress symptoms or sense of coherence were found between intervention group versus control group, with a mean Post-Traumatic Stress Scale 10 intensive part B score 39 (95% CI, 37-41) versus 37 (95% CI, 35-39), 32 (95% CI, 28-35) versus 32 (95% CI, 29-35), 31 (95% CI, 28-34) versus 30 (95% CI, 27-33), and 31 (95% CI, 28-34) versus 29 (95% CI, 26-33) at baseline, 3, 6, and 12 months, respectively. There was a significantly reduced Post-Traumatic Stress Scale 10 intensive part B score for both groups during the year (p = 0.001). Low sense of coherence, pain, and previous psychiatric problems were associated with increased level of post-traumatic stress symptoms at 12 months.

CONCLUSIONS

Nurse-led consultations did not reveal any significant effect on post-traumatic stress symptoms or sense of coherence after ICU discharge in patients with clinically relevant symptoms.

Families' Experiences of Life in the Year after a Child's Critical Illness: Navigating the Road to a "New Normal"

Semistructured interviews were conducted with patients and family members ( n  = 18) postdischarge to examine how they managed their recovery in the year following a child's intensive care unit admission. Data were analyzed using the grounded theory. Participants described an ongoing need to develop and adapt their narratives about admission and recovery. Other key themes were as follows: just getting through, recognizing they had changed, striving for normality, and finding positive aspects related to their experiences. It took longer than they expected for families to build a coherent narrative of events postdischarge and to adjust to the "new normal." Implications for health professionals are discussed.

Patients' perceptions of an intensive care unit diary written by relatives: A hermeneutic phenomenological study

OBJECTIVE

To explore patients' perceptions of an intensive care unit diary written by relatives including pictures added by staff.

DESIGN

Ten patients were interviewed 3-6 and 8-16 months after discharge from the intensive care unit. Most patients were interviewed with a relative present. Interviews were analysed using Ricoeur's theory of interpretation.

SETTING

Interviews took place in participants' homes.

FINDINGS

Patients found the diary written by relatives with photos taken by staff to be valuable providing information that helped them understand their time in the intensive care unit. The diary text gave patients insight into relatives' experiences and suffering. Patients were touched by the love and care conveyed in the diary, however, the diaries could overwhelm the patients when they were confronted with the grief and agony endured by their relatives.

CONCLUSION

Although diaries kept by relatives confront patients with consequences beyond their own suffering, they are informative and promote understanding of what patient and family experienced during critical illness. The diaries expressed how much the relatives cared for the patient thus paving the way for mutual support and understanding. Diaries authored by relatives represent a new element to ICU diaries that have evolved from a nursing intervention toward family participation.

Intensive care unit diaries: Developing a shared story strengthens relationships between critically ill patients and their relatives: A hermeneutic-phenomenological study

BACKGROUND

After discharge from the intensive care unit, patients and relatives struggle to rebuild their lives while suffering from fatigue and distress. Intensive care unit diaries written by relatives are a novel approach that may help relatives and patients process the critical illness experience together.

OBJECTIVES

To explore patients' and relatives' perceptions and use of a diary written by relatives for the critically ill patient.

DESIGN

Hermeneutical-phenomenological interview study.

SETTING

Two regional mixed surgical/medical intensive care units in a regional hospital.

PARTICIPANTS

10 critically ill patients and 13 relatives. All participants were 18 years or older, all patients had undergone mechanical ventilation.

METHODS

Dyadic, in-depth interviews conducted at 3-6 months and 8-16 months after discharge from the intensive care unit in 2015-2017. Interviews were analyzed using Ricoeur's theory of interpretation; a three-step process initiated by a naïve reading; followed by a structural analysis exploring the internal relations of the text, and finally, a critical interpretation to identify the most probable interpretation.

RESULTS

Before sharing the intensive care unit diary, relatives had to feel able to give the diary to the patient, which meant separating themselves from the diary and being available for discussions with the patient. Likewise, the patients had to be prepared to receive the diary and to acknowledge relatives' efforts. Sharing the diary included interpreting the content of the diary, and developing a re-configured story based on the diary.

CONCLUSION

The diary written by relatives for the critically ill patient was fulfilled when the diary was shared between the authoring relative and patient and a re-configured story was developed. This enabled a strengthened relationship between patient and relative. Not sharing could be disappointing to the relative, but did not preclude discussion of the experience of critical illness. This study provides professionals with knowledge about supporting patients and relatives through intensive care unit diaries written by relatives. Relatives need guidance on when to share the diary with the patient and how to accept patient rejection.

Negative-pressure wound therapy versus standard dressings for adults with an open lower limb fracture: the WOLLF RCT

BACKGROUND

Open fractures of the lower limb occur when a broken bone penetrates the skin and is exposed to the outside environment. These are life-changing injuries. The risk of deep infection may be as high as 27%. The type of dressing applied after surgical debridement could potentially reduce the risk of infection in the open-fracture wound.

OBJECTIVES

To assess the disability, rate of deep infection, quality of life and resource use in patients with severe open fracture of the lower limb treated with negative-pressure wound therapy (NPWT) versus standard wound management after the first surgical debridement of the wound.

DESIGN

A pragmatic, multicentre randomised controlled trial.

SETTING

Twenty-four specialist trauma hospitals in the UK Major Trauma Network.

PARTICIPANTS

A total of 460 patients aged ≥ 16 years with a severe open fracture of the lower limb were recruited from July 2012 through to December 2015. Patients were excluded if they presented more than 72 hours after their injury or were unable to complete questionnaires.

INTERVENTIONS

Negative-pressure wound therapy (n = 226) where an 'open-cell' solid foam or gauze was placed over the surface of the wound and connected to a suction pump which created a partial vacuum over the dressing versus standard dressings not involving negative pressure (n = 234).

MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES

Disability Rating Index (DRI) - a score of 0 (no disability) to 100 (completely disabled) at 12 months was the primary outcome measure, with a minimal clinically important difference of 8 points. The secondary outcomes were deep infection, quality of life and resource use collected at 3, 6, 9 and 12 months post randomisaton.

RESULTS

There was no evidence of a difference in the patients' DRI at 12 months. The mean DRI in the NPWT group was 45.5 points [standard deviation (SD) 28.0 points] versus 42.4 points (SD 24.2 points) in the standard dressing group, giving a difference of -3.9 points (95% confidence interval -8.9 to 1.2 points) in favour of standard dressings (p = 0.132). There was no difference in HRQoL and no difference in the number of surgical site infections or other complications at any point in the 12 months after surgery. NPWT did not reduce the cost of treatment and it was associated with a low probability of cost-effectiveness.

LIMITATIONS

Owing to the emergency nature of the interventions, we anticipated that some patients who were randomised into the trial would subsequently be unable or unwilling to take part. Such post-randomisation withdrawal of patients could have posed a risk to the external validity of the trial. However, the great majority of these patients (85%) were found to be ineligible after randomisation. Therefore, we can be confident that the patients who took part were representative of the population with severe open fractures of the lower limb.

CONCLUSIONS

Contrary to the existing literature and current clinical guidelines, NPWT dressings do not provide a clinical or an economic benefit for patients with an open fracture of the lower limb.

FUTURE WORK

Future work should investigate alternative strategies to reduce the incidence of infection and improve outcomes for patients with an open fracture of the lower limb. Two specific areas of potentially great benefit are (1) the use of topical antibiotic preparations in the open-fracture wound and (2) the role of orthopaedic implants with antimicrobial coatings when fixing the associated fracture.

TRIAL REGISTRATION

Current Controlled Trials ISRCTN33756652 and UKCRN Portfolio ID 11783.

FUNDING

This project was funded by the National Institute for Health Research (NIHR) Health Technology Assessment programme and will be published in full in Health Technology Assessment; Vol. 22, No. 73. See the NIHR Journals Library website for further project information.

Picking up the pieces: Qualitative evaluation of follow-up consultations post intensive care admission

OBJECTIVES

On an intensive care unit at a university hospital in Denmark patients are offered a nurse-led consultation three months post intensive care unit admission, to help them cope with Post Intensive Care Syndrome and identify opportunities for further intervention. The aim of the study was: 1) To describe former intensive care patients' experiences of the consultation, specifically regarding content and setting. 2) To explore the benefits of the consultation in regard to the individual patients' symptoms of Post Intensive Care Syndrome.

METHODS

Focused ethnography was chosen as methodology combining observations and interviews. Ten patients participated in a two-part qualitative study: 1) an observational study of the current follow-up consultation; 2) a semi-structured interview based upon observations and statements arising during the initial consultation. The data was analysed using a hermeneutic-phenomenological approach.

FINDINGS

Content and setting of the consultation were of upmost importance. Revisiting the unit and experiencing the setting in person played a huge role in coping with Post Intensive Care Syndrome. Involving relatives was essential as they were an important part of the patient's rehabilitation.

CONCLUSIONS

Participating in the consultation and revisiting the unit proved important. It helped patients understand their symptoms and make sense of what had happened during their stay in intensive care unit.

Victims of disaster: can ethical debriefings be of help to care for their suffering?

Victims of disaster suffer, not only at the very moment of the disaster, but also years after the disaster has taken place, they are still in an emotional journey. While many moral perspectives focus on the moment of the disaster itself, a lot of work is to be done years after the disaster. How do people go through their suffering and how can we take care of them? Research on human suffering after a major catastrophe, using an ethics of care perspective, is scarce. People suffering from disasters are often called to be in distress and their emotional difficulties 'medicalised'. This brings them often into a situation of long term use of medication, and one can wonder if medication is of help to them in the long run. In our paper, we will explore another moral perspective, focusing on the importance of the victims' narrative and their lived experiences. We will use Paul Ricoeur's phenomenological reflections from 'Suffering is not the same as pain' for conceptualizing human suffering and how to apply it to victims of disaster. Ricoeur suggests that suffering is not a quantity that can be measured, but a characteristic that should be studied qualitatively in interpersonal and narrative contexts. Above all, the perspective of care and listening could offer an opportunity to reconcile people from their loss and suffering.