Patterns of communicating care and caring in the intensive care unit

Abstract

Abstract Aim To explore the perceptions and experiences of nurses in communicating the care and caring in the intensive care unit (ICU). Design A focused ethnography. Methods This study was conducted in an Australian metropolitan hospital, in which data were gathered from multiple sources: participant observations, document reviews, interviews, and participant's additional written information ‐ over six months (April‐September, 2014). The data were analysed thematically. Findings This study addressed inclusively communicating care and caring to patients, families, nurses and other health professionals in ICU. The findings identified main themes concerning the changing patterns of communicating the care and caring in ICU, various patterns of communication used, enablers and barriers of communicating care and caring, and significant issues in communicating care and caring in ICU. Documentation of patients’ psychological and emotional needs, and nurses’ caring behaviours are crucial. These findings need further consideration from all stakeholders.

Keywords

• caring
• communication enablers/facilitators/barriers/obstacles/challenges
• documentation
• focused ethnography
• intensive care nurses
• technology