Jafar Alasad | PubMed Health

PubMed2005

Communication with critically ill patients.

AIM: This paper reports a study that investigated the experiences of a group of critical care Jordanian nurses concerning verbal communication with critically ill patients. BACKGROUND: There is evidence that communication in critical care settings is not sufficiently implemented in practice. Inadequate nurse-patient communication results in increased levels of stress and anxiety. Verbal communication can help patients preserve their self-identity and self-esteem, which in turn will enhance their well-being and optimism. METHOD: The study was guided by the phenomenological hermeneutics of Heidegger. Data were generated in 2002 from in-depth interviews and overt participant observation, and analysed qualitatively. FINDINGS: Unconscious patients received less verbal communication and interaction than verbally responsive patients. CONCLUSION: Communication with sedated or unconscious patients in intensive care units should not be viewed as only an interactive process. Rather, it should be perceived as the means to give the information and support that such patients need.

Attitude of Health Personnel↗

PubMed2002

Managing technology in the intensive care unit: the nurses' experience.

This study investigates the experiences of a group of critical care nurses regarding the use of technology in the intensive care unit. The study is grounded in the phenomenological hermeneutics of Martin Heidegger and argues that this methodology is compatible with the humanistic values of nursing. Data were generated from in-depth interviews and overt participant observation. The process of data analysis was guided by Heidegger's notions of phenomenological reflection and hermeneutic circle, (Van Manen's, Researching lived experience: human science for an action sensitive pedagogy. The State University of New York press, Ontario, Canada, 1990) process of thematic analysis and (Draper's, Nursing perspectives on quality of life. Routledge, London, 1997) analytical principles. The ability to manage the technology emerged as a main component of being a critical care nurse. It is revealed also that the nurses' ability to manage the technology is gained mainly through experience. The effect of machinery management on patient care is seen as part of everyday routine in the critical care setting. Moreover, technical activities are seen as more important and stimulating than other nursing activities.

Clinical Competence↗