Monica Kvande1, Charlotte Delmar2, Else Lykkeslet3, Sissel Lisa Storli4. 1. Department of Health and Care Sciences, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Tromsø, The Arctic University of Norway, N-9037 Tromsø, Norway. Electronic address: Monica.kvande@uit.no. 2. Section for Nursing, Department of Public Health, Health Faculty Aarhus University, DK & Faculty of Health Science, Aalborg University, DK & University College Diakonova, Oslo, Norway. Electronic address: cd@ph.au.dk. 3. Faculty of Health and Social Care, Molde University College, Molde, Norway. Electronic address: Else.Lykkeslet@hiMolde.no. 4. Department of Health and Care Sciences, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Tromsø, The Arctic University of Norway, N-9037 Tromsø, Norway. Electronic address: sissel.l.storli@uit.no.
Abstract
OBJECTIVES: The aim of this study was to explore the phenomenon of becoming aware of incipient changes in patient condition from the perspectives and experiences of intensive care nurses. RESEARCH METHODOLOGY: This study involved close observations of and in-depth interviews with 11 experienced intensive care nurses. The text was analysed using a hermeneutic phenomenological method that was inspired by van Manen. SETTING: This study was undertaken at two different high-technology intensive care units (ICUs) in Norwegian university hospitals. FINDINGS: Nurses formed images of individual patients composed of signs (of changes in a patient's condition) that were sensory, measurable, and manifested as the mood of the nurse. The signs may be viewed as separate from and opposed to one another, but they are tightly interwoven and interact with one another. Care situations are powerful stimuli for the patient, and it is of great importance for nurses to become aware of signs in these situations. Nurses also ascribe that following the patient over time is important for becoming aware of signs. CONCLUSION: An awareness of incipient changes in patient clinical condition requires understanding the ever-changing dynamics of patient condition and dialogic images composed of signs. Care situations and the following of patients through shifts are essential in enabling nurses to detect these signs.
OBJECTIVES: The aim of this study was to explore the phenomenon of becoming aware of incipient changes in patient condition from the perspectives and experiences of intensive care nurses. RESEARCH METHODOLOGY: This study involved close observations of and in-depth interviews with 11 experienced intensive care nurses. The text was analysed using a hermeneutic phenomenological method that was inspired by van Manen. SETTING: This study was undertaken at two different high-technology intensive care units (ICUs) in Norwegian university hospitals. FINDINGS: Nurses formed images of individual patients composed of signs (of changes in a patient's condition) that were sensory, measurable, and manifested as the mood of the nurse. The signs may be viewed as separate from and opposed to one another, but they are tightly interwoven and interact with one another. Care situations are powerful stimuli for the patient, and it is of great importance for nurses to become aware of signs in these situations. Nurses also ascribe that following the patient over time is important for becoming aware of signs. CONCLUSION: An awareness of incipient changes in patient clinical condition requires understanding the ever-changing dynamics of patient condition and dialogic images composed of signs. Care situations and the following of patients through shifts are essential in enabling nurses to detect these signs.