Being transferred from an intensive care unit to a ward: Searching for the known in the unknownPeople who have been cared for in intensive care units (ICUs) are transferred between different levels of care and hospitals. The aim with this study was to describe peoples' experiences of being cared for in an ICU and transferred to a ward. An inductive, descriptive qualitative study was performed with qualitative individual interviews with 10 participants. The interviews were transcribed verbatim and subjected to qualitative thematic content analysis which resulted in one theme; searching for the known in the unknown, and five categories. The findings showed the importance of being prepared for the transfer and knowing what was going to happen. Some participants felt secure in the ICU and excluded on the ward, others appreciated leaving the stressful environment in the ICU for a more peaceful ward. Feelings of anxiety and exposure were experienced during the transfer and it was helpful if staff involved were known to the participants. Better information and patients' involvement concerning the transfer from ICUs to general wards are suggested as means of improving nursing care. Further studies are needed to improve continuity of care for critically ill people.

Participants found themselves in a new and unexpected situation and experienced pain, vulnerability and a striving for control during the process, that is, 'from realising the seriousness of the injury to regaining autonomy'. How this is managed depends on how the patient's needs are met by nurses. The nursing care received while suffering a lower limb fracture and undergoing surgery should be situation specific as well as individual specific. The safe performance of technical interventions and the nurse's comprehensive explanations of medical terms may help the patient to feel secure during the process.

Simulation is suggested for practical training in order to increase patient safety related to the performance of technical skills such as peripheral intravenous catheterisation.

No abstract

No abstract