What are Intensive Care Nurses Experiences of Using ICU Diaries in Scotland? An Interpretative Phenomenology’
Abstract
Background
Intensive care unit (ICU) diaries are used as a recovery tool to aid a patient’s recovery
following an ICU stay. ICU diaries are written for patients in everyday language with entries
containing any visits the patient has had, any activities and how they are doing.
Literature Review
The literature review question is, “How do ICU diaries help aid the recovery process in
previous ICU patients?”. The four themes found in the review were: (1) Psychological
recovery; (2) Reflection on critical care event; (3) Human connection and communication;
(4) Barriers. The literature review found that patients value the diary and use it to aid their
recovery. However, there is limited research regarding nurse’s experience using ICU diaries.
Research Proposal
The aims of this study are: (1) To gain an understanding of intensive care nurses’ knowledge
on intensive care unit diaries; (2) To explore intensive care nurses’ experiences of using ICU
patient diaries. An interpretative phenomenological approach will be used to meet the aims
of the study.
Method
Ten semi-structured interviews using open ended questions with nurses who have had
experiences with using ICU diaries, will be used to collect the data. This will take place in
one or more NHS Scottish ICUs. To analysis the data Interpretative Phenomenology Analysis
(IPA) will be used.
Conclusion
Throughout a patient journey in critical care, nurses have a role to provide rehabilitative
care (NICE 2009). Therefore, it is important that further research is conducted for ways in
which rehabilitative care can be delivered.