Humanization of care for adult ICU patients: a scoping review protocol.

Objective: The objective of this review is to review and map data from studies on the humanization of care in intensive care units based on a conceptual framework.

Introduction: The critical context of adult patients in intensive care units directs the focus on clinical medical interventions, drawing attention away from the humanization of care. Rethinking intensive care is imperative and the humanization of care is an absolute priority. Literature on this topic is scattered under umbrella terms such as "patient-centered care" or specific terms referring to target interventions. A scoping review based on a conceptual framework will map the literature on humanization in intensive care units.

Inclusion Criteria: The review will consider studies on the humanization of care, or on one of the seven components of the conceptual framework (communication, visiting hours, patients' and health care professionals' well-being, family involvement and satisfaction, post-intensive care unit syndrome, and physical environment) focusing on adult patients in intensive care units. Studies on co-existing states or end-of-life care will be excluded.

Methods: A search of Embase, PubMed, and CINAHL will be conducted to identify relevant studies in English or French on the humanization of care, holistic care, or person-centered care in an adult intensive-care environment. The time period covered will be January 1, 2010 to the present. An iterative team approach will be used to screen and select studies and extract data. Data will be charted according to study design, distribution in time, cultural context, concepts, use of theoretical models, and intervention. The results will be summarized and reported, identifying the implications for policy, practice, and research.