Effects of a person-centred care intervention in an intensive care unit: Using mixed methods to examine nurses' perspectives.

AIM

We identified nurses' experiences and changes in person- and family-centred care (PFCC) after applying a family-visiting programme in an intensive care unit (ICU).

BACKGROUND

Critical care provision is shifting to include communication among patients, families and health care providers.

METHODS

We used mixed methodology and a group pre- and post-test design. In 2019, 30 ICU nurses completed an 8-week programme, including keeping a diary and completing fundamental care activities. A survey of PFCC nursing performance was completed pre- and post-programme, and 15 nurses were interviewed post-programme. Performance differences were examined through paired t tests; qualitative data were analysed by thematic analysis.

RESULTS

The pre- and post-scores were 3.06 ± 0.34 and 4.00 ± 0.29, respectively (t = 17.38, p =.000), and five main themes and 13 subtopics were revealed. Most nurses 'discovered the importance of nursing through a truthful relationship with ICU patients' families'.

CONCLUSION

For effective PFCC, changes in nurses' perceptions and hospital organisation are required, such as improving the ICU working environment, assigning suitable health care personnel to provide care and implementing open-visit programmes.

IMPLICATIONS FOR NURSING MANAGEMENT

Hospital policymakers and nurse managers should take care to provide staff support and high-quality patient care to realize effective PFCC.