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BMC Health Services Research
Published in: BMC Health Services Research 1/2023

Open Access 01-12-2023 | Care | Research article

The needs and experiences of critically ill patients and family members in intensive care unit of a tertiary hospital in Malaysia: a qualitative study

Authors: E-Li Leong, Chii-Chii Chew, Ju-Ying Ang, Sharon-Linus Lojikip, Philip-Rajan Devesahayam, Kit-Weng Foong

Published in: BMC Health Services Research | Issue 1/2023

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Abstract

Background

Admission to an intensive care unit (ICU) is a stressful experience for patients and their family members. While the focus of management is primarily on medical care, there can be other areas which are overlooked. The purpose of this study was to investigate the needs and experiences of ICU patients and family members.

Method

This qualitative study involved four trained researchers conducting in-depth interviews (IDI) based on a semi-structured interview guide. The participants were ICU patients and family members. All IDIs were audio-recorded and transcribed verbatim. Four researchers independently analyzed the data via thematic analysis with the aid of QDA Miner Lite®. The themes and subthemes were generated and confirmed by literature and expert opinion.

Results

Six IDIs were conducted with three patients and three family members, whose ages ranged from 31 to 64 years old. One pair of participants consisted of a patient and his respective family member, while the other four participants did not have a familial relationship with each other. Three main themes emerged from the analysis: (I) critical care services; (II) physical spaces; and (III) monitoring technology. Medical, psychological, physical, and social needs for critical care services were expressed by both patients and family members. Patients’ needs in clinical spaces were highlighted as a conducive ICU environment with ambient temperature and controlled noise levels. In non-clinical spaces, family members expressed a need for more chairs in the waiting area. Participants expressed the need for call bells as well as patients’ negative perceptions of medical equipment alarms in the ICU when it pertained to monitoring technology.

Conclusion

This study provides an in-depth view at the needs and experiences of ICU patients and family members who have a variety of unmet needs. This understanding is critical for guiding ICU personnel and stakeholders in their efforts to humanize ICU care.
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Metadata
Title
The needs and experiences of critically ill patients and family members in intensive care unit of a tertiary hospital in Malaysia: a qualitative study
Authors
E-Li Leong
Chii-Chii Chew
Ju-Ying Ang
Sharon-Linus Lojikip
Philip-Rajan Devesahayam
Kit-Weng Foong
Publication date
01-12-2023
Publisher
BioMed Central
Keyword
Care
Published in
BMC Health Services Research / Issue 1/2023
Electronic ISSN: 1472-6963
DOI
https://doi.org/10.1186/s12913-023-09660-9

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