Experiences of inner strength in critically ill patients--a hermeneutical approach

Becoming critically ill and in need of ventilator treatment is a considerable burden. Fear and anxiety are natural reactions and it is not uncommon for patients to experience hopelessness, withdrawal and depression. In situations like these the possession of inner strength can be of vital importance.

To gain knowledge on what factors contribute to inner strength in critically ill patients cared for in an intensive care unit. The depth interviews were conducted with six former ventilator-treated patients aged 60-72years.

The informants were recruited through the ICU at an urban hospital in Norway.

The study has an exploratory and descriptive design. A hermeneutic approach was used to interpret the data, in which Kvale's self-perception, critical common sense and theoretical levels were applied.

The study clearly demonstrates that there are certain factors that promote the inner strength of patients undergoing ventilator treatment. These are: "To have the support of next of kin", "The wish to go on living", "To be seen" and "Signs of progress". Amongst these patients it appears that the presence of one's next of kin has prime significance in promoting inner strength.