Patients' experiences in the intensive care unit in Jordan: A cross-sectional study.

Abstract

The purpose of this study was to describe the experiences of Jordanian patients during their stay in intensive care unit (ICU) and to explore associated factors. Various factors can negatively affect patients' experiences and lead to negative consequences that can affect their outcomes. A descriptive, correlational design was used to collect data from 150 patients using the Intensive Care Experience Questionnaire through structured interviews after being transferred from medical and surgical ICUs to general wards. The results showed that the longer the length of ICU stay (LOS) (>7 days) the higher frightening experience (r = 0.2, p < 0.05), the lower awareness of surrounding (r = -0.28, p < 0.01), and the lower satisfaction with care (r = -0.22, p < 0.01). The results showed a negative correlation between receiving sedation and awareness of surroundings (r = -0.33, p < 0.01), and recall of ICU experiences (r = -0.23, p < 0.01), and a positive correlation with frightening experiences (r = 0.2, p < 0.05). Health care activities, clinical and socio-demographic factors can affect the psychological experiences of patients in the ICU. Longer ICU stay is associated with more negative experiences.