Near-death experiences and the change of worldview in survivors of sudden cardiac arrest: A phenomenological and hermeneutical study.

Near-death experiences (NDEs) can occur during episodes of unconsciousness from life-threatening conditions, such as sudden cardiac arrests (SCAs). This study is based on interviews with patients who had an NDE. The interviews were analyzed with phenomenological hermeneutical method for their lived experiences and the meaning for the view of life and death.

Development and validation of an instrument to measure nursing workload in the postanaesthesia care unit: An observational study.

Background: There are no instruments specifically developed for the measurement of nursing workload in postanaesthesia care units (PACUs). An objective and valid instrument is essential for planning work flow and staffing in this unique hospital environment that encompasses elements of elective and acute postsurgical care. Previous studies show that increased workload is associated with increased complication rates in ICUs.

Intensive Care Unit Delirium, Clinical Observations, and Patients' Statements: A Case Study.

Background: In clinical practice, nurses use their clinical gaze and make observations in order to assess patients' medical conditions and care needs. However, signs of developing intensive care unit delirium (ICUD) are often difficult to determine, as communication with patients is usually limited because of intubation and the seriousness of their medical condition(s). Usually, ICUD is screened and diagnosed with different, mainly nonverbal instruments, which presupposes that the observer is skilled and experienced in recognizing symptoms and signs of delirium.

The patient experience of intensive care: a meta-synthesis of Nordic studies.

Background: Sedation practices in the intensive care unit have evolved from deep sedation and paralysis toward lighter sedation and better pain management. The new paradigm of sedation has enabled early mobilization and optimized mechanical ventilator weaning. Intensive care units in the Nordic countries have been particularly close to goals of lighter or no sedation and a more humane approach to intensive care.

Use and practice of patient diaries in Swedish intensive care units: a national survey.

Aims And Objectives: To describe and compare the extent and application of patients' diaries in Sweden.

Background: Since 1991, patient diaries have been used in intensive care unit (ICU) follow-up in Sweden. There is paucity of relevant data evaluating the effect of this tool and also on what premises patients are enrolled.

Development of the 3-SET 4P questionnaire for evaluating former ICU patients' physical and psychosocial problems over time: a pilot study.

Background: Current studies reveal a lack of consensus for the evaluation of physical and psychosocial problems after ICU stay and their changes over time.

Objectives: The aim was to develop and evaluate the validity and reliability of a questionnaire for assessing physical and psychosocial problems over time for patients following ICU recovery.

Patients: Thirty-nine patients completed the questionnaire, 17 were retested.

Intensive care unit syndrome/delirium is associated with anemia, drug therapy and duration of ventilation treatment.

Background: We have performed a prospective qualitative investigation of the ICU syndrome/delirium; the main parts of which have recently been published. The aim of the present study was to explore the relationship between the ICU syndrome/delirium and age, gender, length of ventilator treatment, length of stay and severity of disease, as well as factors related to arterial oxygenation and the amount of drugs used for sedation/analgesia.

Methods: Nineteen mechanically ventilated patients who had stayed in the ICU for more than 36 h were closely observed during their stay, and interviewed in depth twice after discharge.