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Strange and scary memories of the intensive care unit: a qualitative, longitudinal study inspired by Ricoeur's interpretation theory

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  • Helle Svenningsen
  • Ingrid Egerod
  • Pia Dreyer

Abstract

Aims and objectives To describe the content of former intensive care unit patients’ memories of delusions. Background Intensive care unit patients often have strange and frightening experiences during the critical stage of illness. Earlier studies have provided small‐sample in‐depth descriptions of patient experiences in intensive care unit, but large‐scale studies are also needed to inform intensive care unit follow‐up. Methods The study had a qualitative design using phenomenological hermeneutic analysis inspired by Ricoeur's interpretive theory. Patients were assessed with Confusion Assessment Method of the Intensive Care Unit for delirium in intensive care unit, and after discharge, memories of delusions were described by 114 of 325 patients in face‐to‐face (after two weeks) and telephone interviews (after two and six months) using the Intensive Care Unit Memory Tool. Results Four themes emerged: the ever‐present family, dynamic spaces, surviving challenges and constant motion. Memories of delusions were a vivid mix of fact and fiction, demonstrating dynamic shifts in time, place and motion, but not dependent on the presence of delirium assessed by Confusion Assessment Method of the Intensive Care Unit. Conclusions Analysis based on Ricoeurian phenomenological hermeneutics provided insights into themes in intensive care unit patients’ memories of delusions. More studies are needed to understand the meaning of memories of delusions, the commonality of themes and the association between delusions and delirium after an intensive care unit stay. Relevance to clinical practice Understanding patients’ memories of delusions is beneficial to nurses caring for patients that are anxious, upset or agitated. It opens a window to the world of the patient who is unable to communicate due to intubation and general weakness. We recommend the provision of nurse‐led intensive care unit follow‐up enabling patients to describe and discuss their intensive care unit experiences.

Suggested Citation

  • Helle Svenningsen & Ingrid Egerod & Pia Dreyer, 2016. "Strange and scary memories of the intensive care unit: a qualitative, longitudinal study inspired by Ricoeur's interpretation theory," Journal of Clinical Nursing, John Wiley & Sons, vol. 25(19-20), pages 2807-2815, October.
    • Handle: RePEc:wly:jocnur:v:25:y:2016:i:19-20:p:2807-2815
    DOI: 10.1111/jocn.13318
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    Cited by:

    1. Helene Berntzen & Ida Torunn Bjørk & Hilde Wøien, 2018. "“Pain relieved, but still struggling”—Critically ill patients experiences of pain and other discomforts during analgosedation," Journal of Clinical Nursing, John Wiley & Sons, vol. 27(1-2), pages 223-234, January.
    2. Susanne Kristiansen & Hanne Konradsen & Malene Beck, 2019. "Nurses’ experiences of caring for older patients afflicted by delirium in a neurological department," Journal of Clinical Nursing, John Wiley & Sons, vol. 28(5-6), pages 920-930, March.
    3. Helene Berntzen & Ida Torunn Bjørk & Ann‐Marie Storsveen & Hilde Wøien, 2020. "“Please mind the gap”: A secondary analysis of discomfort and comfort in intensive care," Journal of Clinical Nursing, John Wiley & Sons, vol. 29(13-14), pages 2441-2454, July.
    4. Charlotte Handberg & Anna Katarina Voss, 2018. "Implementing augmentative and alternative communication in critical care settings: Perspectives of healthcare professionals," Journal of Clinical Nursing, John Wiley & Sons, vol. 27(1-2), pages 102-114, January.

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