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.