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Being in a critical illness‐recovery process: a phenomenological hermeneutical study

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  • Carina Palesjö
  • Lena Nordgren
  • Margareta Asp

Abstract

Aims and objective The aim of this study was to describe and interpret the essential meaning of the lived experiences of being in a critical illness‐recovery process after a life‐threatening condition. Background The critical illness‐recovery process after a life‐threatening condition takes several years and does not only include patients' experiences during intensive care. Previous research has mainly focused on what critically ill patients recall. However, from a phenomenological point of view, experiences are more than memories alone. To plan and perform relevant health care and social support for patients who have survived a life‐threatening condition, a more profound understanding about their lived experiences is needed. Design and method In this qualitative study, a phenomenological hermeneutical approach was used. Interviews were conducted with seven patients, two to four years after they had received care in an intensive care unit in Sweden. Results The comprehensive understanding of the results shows that the critical illness‐recovery process after a life‐threatening condition means an existential struggle to reconcile with an unfamiliar body and with ordinary life. This can be understood as an ‘unhomelikeness’ implying a struggle to create meaning and coherence from scary and fragmented memories. The previous life projects, such as work and social life become unfamiliar when the patient's fragile and weak body is disobedient and brings on altered sensations. Conclusions Patients who survive a life‐threatening condition have an immense need for care and support during the entire critical illness‐recovery process, and also after the initial acute phase. They need a coherent understanding of what happened, and support to be able to perform their changed life projects. Relevance to clinical practice Supporting and caring for patients' recovery from a life‐ threatening condition involves recognising the patients' struggle and responding to their existential concerns.

Suggested Citation

  • Carina Palesjö & Lena Nordgren & Margareta Asp, 2015. "Being in a critical illness‐recovery process: a phenomenological hermeneutical study," Journal of Clinical Nursing, John Wiley & Sons, vol. 24(23-24), pages 3494-3502, December.
    • Handle: RePEc:wly:jocnur:v:24:y:2015:i:23-24:p:3494-3502
    DOI: 10.1111/jocn.13002
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    1. Susanne Kean & Graeme D Smith, 2014. "Editorial: Surviving critical illness: Intensive care and beyond," Journal of Clinical Nursing, John Wiley & Sons, vol. 23(5-6), pages 603-604, March.
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    1. Åsa Muntlin Athlin & Maria Brovall & Yvonne Wengström & Tiffany Conroy & Alison L. Kitson, 2018. "Descriptions of fundamental care needs in cancer care—An exploratory study," Journal of Clinical Nursing, John Wiley & Sons, vol. 27(11-12), pages 2322-2332, June.
    2. Claire Minton & Tamara Power & Stacey Wilson & Debra Jackson, 2020. "Understanding recovery and survivorship after a prolonged critical illness," Journal of Clinical Nursing, John Wiley & Sons, vol. 29(5-6), pages 665-666, March.

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