Nursing for a patient requiring long-term care in an intensive care unit (ICU)

Nursing care in ICUs has frequently been discussed, and importance of psychological care for each patient has been recognised. The care of a severely ill patient who remained in the ICU in Japan for an extended time is described here. During his stay in the ICU, an expanded nursing programme was developed to minimise his mental exhaustion. While considering his pathophysiological condition nursing support was also designed to satisfy his basic desires and human needs, anticipating that this would have therapeutic effects and contribute to improvement of his general condition. Nursing care included particular emphasis on four areas of nursing intervention promoting mobility, and communication between the patient and his family and nurses. Exercise, food intake, sleep, and mental condition were carefully evaluated. The basic human desires of the patient (such as to eat, sleep, walk, etc) should be satisfied, taking into account the pathophysiological condition, even with a severely ill patient. Nursing care should focus on supporting the quality of life for patients, even in the ICU.