Picking up the pieces: Qualitative evaluation of follow-up consultations post intensive care admission

OBJECTIVES: On an intensive care unit at a university hospital in Denmark patients are offered a nurse-led consultation three months post intensive care unit admission, to help them cope with Post Intensive Care Syndrome and identify opportunities for further intervention. The aim of the study was: 1) To describe former intensive care patients' experiences of the consultation, specifically regarding content and setting. 2) To explore the benefits of the consultation in regard to the individual patients' symptoms of Post Intensive Care Syndrome.

METHODS: Focused ethnography was chosen as methodology combining observations and interviews. Ten patients participated in a two-part qualitative study: 1) an observational study of the current follow-up consultation; 2) a semi-structured interview based upon observations and statements arising during the initial consultation. The data was analysed using a hermeneutic-phenomenological approach.

FINDINGS: Content and setting of the consultation were of upmost importance. Revisiting the unit and experiencing the setting in person played a huge role in coping with Post Intensive Care Syndrome. Involving relatives was essential as they were an important part of the patient's rehabilitation.

CONCLUSIONS: Participating in the consultation and revisiting the unit proved important. It helped patients understand their symptoms and make sense of what had happened during their stay in intensive care unit.