Critically ill patients' experiences of discomfort and comfort in the intensive care unit: A qualitative descriptive study.

Background: The physiological state of critically ill patients is severely impaired by illness or trauma and is uncomfortable. Such experiences cause long-term anxiety and post-traumatic stress disorder.

Objective: This study aimed to understand discomfort and comfort based on the experiences of critically ill adult patients in the intensive care unit and to explore ways to improve their comfort.