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Published VersionCC BY V4.0, Open Access
Journal article
Waiting to be discharged from intensive care units: Key factors shaping patient and family experiences
Intensive and Critical Care Nursing, Vol.87, pp.1-7
2025
PMID: 39914326
Abstract
Objectives
To explore the factors that facilitate and hinder intensive care unit (ICU) discharge processes related to patients and their family members.
Methods
This was a qualitative exploratory study conducted in three regional adult ICUs in Queensland, Australia. Data were collected through semi-structured interviews with patients and their family members (or patient representatives) in addition to daily reflections based on direct observation. A deductive content analysis was undertaken using the Structure, Process, and Outcomes framework, followed by an inductive approach to generate themes.
Results
A total of 16 participants participated in interviews, involving 14 patients, one family member, and one patient representative. Four themes included a desire to be involved, being kept informed, uncertainty in waiting, and the discharge rush. Participants spoke about the desire to be involved in their care and discharge transition. There was a prevailing tension among patients about being kept informed. Although participants remarked that staff communication was reassuring, supportive, and comforting, they noted that timelines for discharge were often unclear, causing hesitation in the discharge process and minimal information before a sudden transfer. Uncertainty in waiting was frequently mentioned by the participants and also reflected in the daily reflections. This uncertainty led to consequences, such as discharge against medical advice and after-hours discharge rush.
Conclusion
The findings of this study support existing literature that underlines the importance of patient and family involvement in care, effective communication, and coordination during the discharge processes. After-hours discharge rush should be avoided for the safety of the patients and others on the wards.
Implications for clinical practice
Gaining an understanding of patient and family perspectives on the ICU discharge processes can guide clinicians in developing strategies to improve the continuity and quality of care and therefore enhance patient safety during ICU discharge.
Details
- Title
- Waiting to be discharged from intensive care units: Key factors shaping patient and family experiences
- Authors
- Yingyan Chen - University of the Sunshine Coast, Queensland, School of Health - NursingJacqueline Peet - University of the Sunshine Coast, Queensland, School of Health - NursingLauren Murray - Sunshine Coast University HospitalMahesh Ramanan - Caboolture Hospital (Australia)Kylie Jacobs - Redcliffe HospitalJane Brailsford - Sunshine Coast University HospitalAmelia Osmond - Caboolture Hospital (Australia)Moreblessing Kajevu - Sunshine Coast University HospitalPeter Garrett - Sunshine Coast University HospitalAlexis Tabah - Redcliffe HospitalCarol Mock - Sunshine Coast University HospitalFrances Fengzhi Lin (Corresponding Author) - University of the Sunshine Coast, Queensland, School of Health - Nursing
- Publication details
- Intensive and Critical Care Nursing, Vol.87, pp.1-7
- Publisher
- Elsevier Ltd
- Date published
- 2025
- DOI
- 10.1016/j.iccn.2025.103961
- ISSN
- 1532-4036; 0964-3397
- PMID
- 39914326
- Copyright note
- © 2025 The Authors. Published by Elsevier Ltd. This is an open access article under the CC BY license (http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/).
- Grants
- Exploring the barriers and facilitators to patient discharge processes in regional intensive care units, and interventions to reduce discharge delays and after-hours discharge, 0980027766, University of the Sunshine Coast (Australia, Sunshine Coast) - UniSC
- Organisation Unit
- School of Health - Nursing
- Language
- English
- Record Identifier
- 991103625102621
- Output Type
- Journal article
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- Domestic collaboration
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- Critical Care Medicine
- Nursing
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