Memories of former intensive care patients six months following discharge

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Claire Minton
Lecturer, School of Health Science, Massey University, Palmerston North, New Zealand

Jenny Carryer
Assistant Lecturer, Department of Nursing & Midwifery, Massey University, Palmerston North, New Zealand

PP: 152 - 158

Abstract

This exploratory/descriptive study describes the memories of former ICU (Intensive Care Unit) patients after discharge. Six patients described their memories of ICU and discharge to the ward and home.

Memories for the former ICU patients varied, and there were multiple layers of awareness, with periods of unreal experiences and nightmares. In the memories collected, there was little reference to nurses, or connection to the care they provided. Once discharged from ICU, patients' memories changed to new challenges they faced as they coped with the realization of how sick they had been and tried to regain control of their lives.

This small-scaled study has identified some areas of practice that could be improved and further research requirements.

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Keywords

Intensive Care Unit; memories; experience

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