Caring and technology in an intensive care unit: an ethnographic study

Area of Science:

• Critical care medicine
• Healthcare professional studies
• Qualitative research methodology

Background:

• Critical care settings present a dichotomy between technological demands and essential humanistic care.
• Concerns exist regarding the potential for technology to dehumanize patient experiences in intensive care units.
• This research investigates factors influencing the balance between care and technology in critical care.

Purpose of the Study:

• To identify aspects affecting registered healthcare professionals' capacity for patient care within the technologically intensive critical care environment.

Main Methods:

• Ethnographic qualitative approach focusing on cultural dynamics.
• Data triangulation through participant observation, document review, and semi-structured interviews.
• Purposeful sampling of 19 registered healthcare professionals (nurses, doctor, physiotherapists) in a District General Hospital intensive care unit.

Main Results:

• An overarching theme of the 'Crafting process' emerged, encompassing sub-themes of 'vigilance,' 'focus of attention,' 'being present,' and 'expectations.'
• These elements collectively aim to optimize patient outcomes and ensure the individual patient's best interests are met.
• The findings highlight the intricate, active process healthcare professionals engage in to deliver quality care amidst technological complexity.

Conclusions:

• The study's findings align with the Department of Health's (2012) core values: care, compassion, competency, commitment, communication, and courage.
• Further research is recommended to precisely measure these aspects within critical care settings.
• This work informs practitioners on facilitators and barriers to caring in technical environments, aiding in training development.