Characteristics of the Contemporary Intensivist: A Qualitative Study

Abstract

Background: Intensive care professionals work together within a high-acuity high-stress environment and develop unique clinical and human skill sets within the specialty. The manner in which medical leadership acts, responds, and is understood by those around them is an important component of optimising healthcare. The aim of this study was to explore, qualify and define the self-perceived attributes of senior doctors working in intensive care (Intensivists), and construct 'Intensivist personas' that might provide useful insight for the entire healthcare team.Methods: Using a prospective qualitative design, this study involved face-to-face interviews with 19 Intensivists who each had more than four year's clinical experience. Participants were asked their perceptions of the typical personality traits of a 'flourishing' Intensivist; and how they felt they were viewed by others outside their specialty. Interviews were audio recorded, transcribed and attributes were coded using a thematic framework analysis of each transcript using NVivo software. Personas that might represent the contemporary Intensivist were then constructed based on the themes that emerged.Results: More than 700 pages of coded data were extracted from the transcripts. Six personas were built according to how Intensivists saw themselves: the Fixer; the Retriever; the Diplomat; the Negotiator; the Pragmatist; and the Duck. An additional three personas were created relating to how they perceived they were viewed by others': the Superhero; the Naysayer; and the Dictator. Conclusion:This study describes the self-perceived personality traits of modern-day Intensivists and in doing so, adds to the scarce qualitative literature available. Understanding these attributes is important for all who work in intensive care, including nurses who are an integral part of healthcare service delivery.