Intensivvårdssjuksköterskors upplevelser av att informera närstående till kritiskt sjuka patienter : - En intervjustudie

Objective The aim of this study was to explore nurses' experiences of informing relatives to critically ill patients in the intensive care unit (ICU). Method The study was descriptive with a qualitative approach. Nine nurses were interviewed. The study took place in a university hospital in the midst of Sweden. An interview guide was used, designed in consensus with the study questions. Data was analyzed via qualitative content analysis . Findings Meeting and preparing relatives at the arrival at the ICU seemed valuable and led to safety and participation among relatives. The information given to relatives focused on the patient's current condition and nursing interventions. The information, however, often tended to be medical. It felt difficult to give distinct and clear information, since the patients´ condition could change rapidly. A simple language and repetition seemed important for the relatives´ possibilities to understand information. Personal and professional qualities and experience seemed to be important skills when informing relatives. Environment, stress and lack of space seemed aggravating for informing relatives, while co-operation, documentation and development of working routines were simplifying factors. Conclusion Nurses found informing relatives, as one of the most important nursing tasks, leading to increased comfort, participation and understanding among relatives