Document Type : Original Article
Authors
1 MPT Student, Department of musculoskeletal physiotherapy, MMIPR, MM(DU)
2 Assistant Professor, Department of physiotherapy & Rehabilitation, MM(DU), Mullana
3 mullana
Abstract
Background: The recovery of individuals discharged from Intensive Care Units (ICU) is often delayed and substandard; most patients suffer from some serious physical, emotional, and cognitive issues. Patient involvement in decision-making should be a top priority nowadays, which further ought to improve ICU care facilities. To explore the experience of individuals being admitted in an ICU.
Methods: This Qualitative study utilized hermeneutic phenomenological approach and recruited 12 participants with varied diagnoses who stayed in different ICUs for a period of at-least 4 days. In-depth face- to- face, semi structured interviews were conducted via a content-validated interview guide to explore their detailed experience. Data was collected until saturation i.e. when no new codes or themes were obtained.Interviews were audio recorded and lasted for 30-45 minutes which were then transcribed verbatim into English and then transferred into QDA miner lite software for analysis.
Results: After the analysis eight themes and 22 subthemes were obtained. Themes identified were: Overall experience; Food, hygiene & Cleanliness; Communication with staff; Transition from ICU to Ward; Sleep disturbances; Emotions experienced and perceptions; Obstacles to recovery; and Suggestions to improve care.
Conclusion: The study concluded that most of the patients were satisfied with the overall ICU care. However, patients complained of lack of sleep, hygiene issues, and uncooperative and rude staff in the ICU, which even made their transition to wards more difficult. They even suggested more qualified and humble staff in the ICU, which can make patients ICU stays more comfortable and smooth.
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