The psychological impact of intensive therapy: the role of nurses

The concept of intensive therapy has developed since the early 1950s following the poliomyelitis epidemic when patients required respiratory assistance. Intermittent positive pressure ventilation and the development of large integrated general intensive therapy units where all critically ill patients could be managed has resulted. The environment in the intensive therapy units (ITUs) has thus become increasingly sophisticated with the use of highly specialised equipment. This has led to changes in the role of nurses in critical care areas. As intensive therapy nurses require considerable technical knowledge comparisons have been made with their role and that of a technician. The aim in this paper is to emphasise the importance of the nurses' role in caring for patients in intensive therapy units, by highlighting the psychological impact an intensive therapy unit may have on patients and how a nurse may promote psychological well-being.