PERCEPTION OF INTENSIVE CARE STRESSORS BY PATIENTS, NURSES AND FAMILY

Abstract

Aim: The aim of this study was to compare the perception of selected stressors acting on the Czech intensive care unit (ICU) of Czech patients, their families and attending nurses. Design: A descriptive comparative study. Methods: Stressor perception was measured by a Czech version of the standardised questionnaire, The Environmental Stressor Questionnaire (ESQ). The sample group consisted of 90 people. Data were obtained via pairing (patient – relative – nurse). The family and the attending nurses evaluated stressors by empathising with the patient. Results: When evaluating the data obtained, it was ascertained that the relatives and attending nurses perceive stressors acting on the ICU as worse than patients themselves do. The overall level of stressor perception in the relatives was statistically significantly higher than in the patients (z = -3.72; p < 0.001). A statistically significant difference was also confirmed with regard to perception of stressors between attending nurses and patients (z = - 2.23; p < 0.001). Conclusion: Both the relatives and attending nurses perceive stressors in the intensive care unit as worse than the patients themselves do. The negative impacts of stressors can be reduced by implementing new approaches in nursing care. Keywords: family, intensive care unit, nurse, patient, stressor.