A qualitative appraisal of visiting within adult critical care units.
Research type
Research Study
Full title
A descriptive, qualitative appraisal of visiting experiences within adult general critical care units (AGCCUs) utilising a Grounded Theory methodology.
IRAS ID
114332
Contact name
Pamela Page
Contact email
Sponsor organisation
City University London
Research summary
A descriptive, qualitative appraisal of visiting experiences within adult general critical care units (AGCCUs) utilising a Grounded Theory methodology.
Emergency admission to critical care units causes a considerable degree of distress and anxiety to both patient and family. This study aims to gain the perspective of patient, family member and nursing staff and as such provide a triangulated appraisal of visitation within adult general critical care units (AGCCUs).
Family members will be invited to discuss their experiences of visiting within AGCCUs by the research nurses. An initial approach will be made with an information sheet and contact details of the Principal Investigator (PI). Patients who have been admitted to AGCCUs as an emergency admission and subsequently discharged home are routinely followed up by the Intensivist between 6 weeks and 3 months of discharge. Patients will be invited to discuss their experiences of visiting within AGCCUs initially by the Intensivist with a letter of invitation and an information sheet with contact details of the P.I. Registered Nurses (RNs) who have worked within AGCCUs for at least one year will be asked by their team leaders if they would like to discuss their experiences in relation to visiting. A letter of invitation and an information sheet will be provided. There are six teams within Broomfield AGCCU and aim to interview two to three RNs from each team. Informed consent will be obtained at the point of interview.There will be no active attempt to triangulate the same family member with patient and RN although there would be no attempt to prevent this. It is anticipated that up to 15 interviews from each of the 3 groups will be completed.
Following transcription of interviews thematic content analysis may reveal substantive themes enabling a framework for preventative, supportive and therapeutic intervention with patients, families and staff in AGCCUs.
REC name
London - Fulham Research Ethics Committee
REC reference
13/LO/0798
Date of REC Opinion
21 May 2013
REC opinion
Favourable Opinion