Phenomenology: understanding the life experience of long-term ventilated adolescents

To care effectively for young people requires insight into how the children think about their care and how they want to live their lives. A phenomenological approach was used to gain new understandings into the thoughts and experiences of two teenage boys who were on long-term ventilation. The method included use of dialogue, observation and a reflective diary. Five themes emerged which helped the team caring for the boys to plan and prioritise care. Phenomenology is recommended as one way for nurses to become more thoughtfully aware of their practice.