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J ordanian survivors' experiences of recovery from critical illness: a qualitative study
Author(s) -
Abdalrahim M.S.,
Zeilani R.S.
Publication year - 2014
Publication title -
international nursing review
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 0.84
H-Index - 51
eISSN - 1466-7657
pISSN - 0020-8132
DOI - 10.1111/inr.12142
Subject(s) - meaning (existential) , intensive care unit , qualitative research , nursing , psychology , intensive care , medicine , health care , content analysis , psychiatry , psychotherapist , sociology , social science , intensive care medicine , economics , economic growth
Background Despite the fact that a lot of patients consider their discharge from hospitals as a positive sign of progress towards regained health, many of them start suffering from physical, psychological and social problems after discharge from intensive care units. Aim This study aims to describe the experiences of Jordanian survivors of critical illnesses 3 months after discharge from a hospital intensive care unit. Methods A descriptive qualitative approach was used to involve 18 J ordanian patients from two hospitals in a major J ordanian city using open‐ended interviews. Interview transcripts were analysed using content analysis method. Results Three main themes have emerged from the data: (1) new meaning of life; (2) different perspectives on the meaning of life, and (3) struggle for role identity. Limitation The sample was chosen from one city in J ordan; longitudinal study might help identify the change in patients' experiences over time. Conclusion Patients described the discharge from the intensive care unit as a means of rescue from death; they began to value their spiritual and religious rituals. Negative traumatic experiences hindered the patients' recovery process. During recovery, patients struggled to resume their power and role in family. Implications for Nurses and Health Policy This study emphasizes the importance of providing care according to the patient's individual needs, related to their cultural and spiritual milieu; there is a need to develop follow‐up services for ICU survivors within a national health policy. Further educational and training programmes in the patient's issues after discharge from hospital are needed. This will definitely help nurses care after this patient group.