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Published (Version of record)CC BY V4.0, Open Access
Published (Version of record)CC BY V4.0, Open
Journal article
Waiting to be discharged from intensive care units: Key factors shaping patient and family experiences
Intensive & critical care nursing, Vol.87, pp.1-7
04/2025
PMID: 39914326
Appears in Recent Faculty of Health Publications
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Abstract
Objectives: To explore the factors that facilitate and hinder intensive care unit (ICU) discharge processes related to patients and their family members.
Methods: This was a qualitative exploratory study conducted in three regional adult ICUs in Queensland, Australia. Data were collected through semi-structured interviews with patients and their family members (or patient representatives) in addition to daily reflection based on direct observation. A deductive content analysis was undertaken using the Structure, Process, and Outcomes framework, followed by an inductive approach to generate themes.
Results: A total of 16 participants participated in interviews, involving 14 patients, one family member, and one patient representative. Four themes included a desire to be involved, being kept informed, uncertainty in waiting, and the discharge rush. Participants spoke about the desire to be involved in their care and discharge transition. There was a prevailing tension among patients about being kept informed. Although participants remarked that staff communication was reassuring, supportive, and comforting, they noted that timelines for discharge were often unclear, causing hesitation in the discharge process and minimal information before a sudden transfer. Uncertainty in waiting was frequently mentioned by the participants and also reflected in the daily reflection. This uncertainty led to consequences, such as discharge against medical advice and after-hours discharge rush.
Conclusion: The findings of this study support existing literature that underlines the importance of patient and family involvement in care, effective communication, and coordination during the discharge processes. After-hours discharge rush should be avoided for the safety of the patients and others on the wards.
Implications for clinical practice: Gaining an understanding of patient and family perspectives on the ICU discharge processes can guide clinicians in developing strategies to improve the continuity and quality of care and therefore enhance patient safety during ICU discharge.
Details
- Title
- Waiting to be discharged from intensive care units: Key factors shaping patient and family experiences
- Creators
- Yingyan Chen - University of the Sunshine CoastJacqueline Peet - University of the Sunshine CoastLauren Murray - Sunshine Coast University HospitalMahesh Ramanan - Caboolture HospitalKylie Jacobs - Redcliffe HospitalJane Brailsford - Sunshine Coast University HospitalAmelia Osmond - Caboolture HospitalMoreblessing Kajevu - Sunshine Coast University HospitalPeter Garrett - Sunshine Coast University HospitalAlexis Tabah - Redcliffe HospitalCarol Mock - Sunshine Coast University HospitalFrances Fengzhi Lin - University of the Sunshine Coast
- Publication Details
- Intensive & critical care nursing, Vol.87, pp.1-7
- Publisher
- Elsevier Ltd
- Grant note
- This study was supported by the LAUNCH grant from the University of the Sunshine Coast, Queensland, Australia (grant number 0980027766, 2022).
- Identifiers
- 991013260102302368
- Copyright
- © 2025 The Authors
- Academic Unit
- Nursing; Faculty of Health
- Language
- English
- Resource Type
- Journal article