Patient experiences during awake mechanical ventilation.

Area of Science:

• Critical Care Medicine
• Patient Experience Research
• Sedation Management

Background:

• ICU sedation practices have shifted towards minimizing sedation for mechanically ventilated patients over the past two decades.
• While beneficial, the impact of minimal sedation on patient experiences remains under-researched.

Purpose of the Study:

• To explore the emotional, comfort, and communication experiences of mechanically ventilated patients receiving minimal sedation.
• To compare patient self-reported experiences with family member perceptions.

Main Methods:

• Qualitative interviews were conducted with mechanically ventilated patients on minimal sedation over six months.
• Patient responses were compared with those of their available family members regarding perceived patient experiences.

Main Results:

• 75% of patients reported pain, and 50% reported comfort; half preferred to be awake.
• Patients reported less frustration (31%) than their family members (89%).
• Family members perceived higher patient pain, frustration, and better communication than patients themselves.

Conclusions:

• Patients tolerate minimal sedation during mechanical ventilation, experiencing discomfort but not significant frustration.
• Discrepancies exist between patient and family member perceptions of pain and frustration.
• Communication tools can improve understanding of patient experiences and preferences.