Sjuksköterskors kommunikation med patienter som vårdas i respirator : Nurses’ communication with patients during mechanical ventilation

Aim: The aim of this study was to describe intensive care nurses’ experiences communicating with patients during mechanical ventilation. Methods/design: A qualitative interview study. Interviews where analyzed using descriptive content analysis Setting: Nine intensive care nurses from two different intensive care units were interviewed using a semi structured interview guide. Background: Past research has shown that patients during mechanical ventilation in the intensive care unit, feel very vulnerable and the helplessness of being unable to speak. These patients feels that they are completely dependent on the nurses and their competence. It has been shown to be very important that the patient feels included, acknowledged and respected. Results: The analyzed data resulted in a theme; through communication strive to preserve patients´ dignity and three main categories; create relationship to the patient, minimize patients´ vulnerability and don´t give up. These main categories consist of nine subcategories Conclusion: Critical ill patients during mechanical ventilation have a very limited opportunity to communicate. Therefore the patient is put in a very vulnerable position and is completely dependent on the nurse. This study shows that the nurse by communicating with the patient strive to preserve the patients dignity