The lived experiences of adult intensive care patients who were conscious during mechanical ventilation: a phenomenological-hermeneutic study.

Aim: The aim of this study was to illuminate the lived experience of patients who were conscious during mechanical ventilation in an intensive care unit (ICU).

Method: Interviews with 12 patients assessed as being conscious during mechanical ventilation were conducted approximately one week after discharge from an ICU. The text was analysed using a phenomenological-hermeneutic method inspired by Ricoeur.

Results: Apart from breathlessness, voicelessness was considered the worst experience. The discomfort and pain caused by the tracheal tube was considerable. A feeling of being helpless, deserted and powerless because of their serious physical condition and inability to talk prompted the patients to strive for independence and recovery and made them willing to 'flow with' the treatment and care. Comments from the patients suggest that their suffering can be alleviated by communication, participation in care activities and companionship.

Conclusion: A patient's endurance whilst conscious during mechanical ventilation seems to be facilitated by the presence of nurses, who mediate hope and belief in recovery, strengthening the patient's will to fight for recovery and survival.