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Diaries written for ICU patients.
Marie-José Roulin1, Samia Hurst, Rebecca Spirig
1University Hospitals Geneva, Switzerland.
Qualitative Health Research
|August 29, 2007
Summary
Patient diaries enhance understanding and coping during intensive care unit (ICU) stays. This analysis reveals benefits through sharing stories, presence, feelings, and support for patients and families.
Area of Science:
- Medical Sociology
- Patient Experience Research
- Healthcare Communication
Background:
- Critically ill patients in intensive care units (ICUs) often struggle to comprehend their experiences.
- Patient diaries serve as a tool to aid understanding and acceptance of serious illness.
Purpose of the Study:
- To analyze patient diaries from intensive care units (ICUs).
- To identify the potential benefits of diary writing for critically ill patients and their families.
Main Methods:
- Content analysis of eight patient diaries from intensive care units (ICUs).
- Qualitative analysis to identify emergent themes and categories.
Main Results:
- A primary category of "Sharing throughout the ICU time" was identified.
- Four key themes emerged: sharing the patient's story, sharing presence (of staff and family), sharing feelings, and sharing through support.
- Diaries documented daily events, patient's personhood, emotional expression, and received support.
Conclusions:
- Patient diaries facilitate a comprehensive sharing of the intensive care unit (ICU) experience.
- These diaries highlight the crucial role of perceived presence and support in patient welfare.
- The findings underscore the value of diaries as a supportive care intervention for patients and their families.
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