TY - JOUR
T1 - A threat to the understanding of oneself
T2 - Intensive care patients' experiences of dependency
AU - Lykkegaard Andersen, Kristina
AU - Delmar, Charlotte
PY - 2013
Y1 - 2013
N2 - This study examines the meaning of dependency on care as experienced by intensive care patients. Literature on the subject is sparse, but research from nonintensive settings shows that dependency is often experienced negatively. The study is based on in-depth qualitative semistructured interviews with three former patients characterized as narratives. The analysis is inspired by a phenomenological hermeneutical method. The study has found that dependency is experienced as difficult and that the experience seems to be attached to the relationship to oneself. Patients feel powerless and experience shame, their understanding of self is threatened, and they fight for independence in the course after intensive care. The findings might be influenced by the study being conducted in a Western country setting, where independence is valued. They can be used as means of reflection on nursing practice and matters such as communication and patient participation.
AB - This study examines the meaning of dependency on care as experienced by intensive care patients. Literature on the subject is sparse, but research from nonintensive settings shows that dependency is often experienced negatively. The study is based on in-depth qualitative semistructured interviews with three former patients characterized as narratives. The analysis is inspired by a phenomenological hermeneutical method. The study has found that dependency is experienced as difficult and that the experience seems to be attached to the relationship to oneself. Patients feel powerless and experience shame, their understanding of self is threatened, and they fight for independence in the course after intensive care. The findings might be influenced by the study being conducted in a Western country setting, where independence is valued. They can be used as means of reflection on nursing practice and matters such as communication and patient participation.
U2 - 10.3402/qhw.v8i0.20934
DO - 10.3402/qhw.v8i0.20934
M3 - Journal article
C2 - 23809023
SN - 1748-2623
VL - 8
SP - 20934
JO - International Journal of Qualitative Studies on Health and Well-Being
JF - International Journal of Qualitative Studies on Health and Well-Being
ER -