Humanizing and dehumanizing intensive care: Thematic synthesis (HumanIC).

Area of Science:

• Critical care medicine
• Patient experience research
• Qualitative research synthesis

Background:

• Intensive care units (ICUs) can be frightening, with life-saving measures sometimes perceived as dehumanizing.
• Humanizing care concepts like holism and dignity lack concrete application in critical care situations.

Purpose of the Study:

• To explore factors contributing to patients' and relatives' experiences of humanized or dehumanized care in the ICU.
• To identify actionable strategies for enhancing humanized care in critical illness settings.

Main Methods:

• Thematic synthesis of 15 qualitative studies.
• Systematic literature search across PubMed, CINAHL, Scopus, and EMBASE (1999-2022).
• Appraisal using the Critical Appraisal Skills Programme Qualitative Checklist.

Main Results:

• Patient-centered care, safety, and well-being contribute to a humanized ICU experience.
• Relatives perceive care as humanized when the patient is treated uniquely and connections are maintained.
• Feeling cared for and maintaining connections are crucial for relatives during critical illness.

Conclusions:

• Genuine attention and supportive actions from healthcare professionals humanize ICU care.
• Facilitating connections between patients, relatives, and staff is key to humanizing the critical care experience.
• Connection fosters resilience and meaning-making for patients and families in the ICU.