ArticleNursing in critical care2025
Phenomenological Study on the Lived Experience of Patients After Major Cardiac Surgery in Intensive Care Units.
Article in Nursing in critical care, 2025. The graph could read no effect estimate from its abstract, so it casts no vote on the map. Cited by 4 papers.
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Who cites it
4 citing papers in PubMed.
- Digital Tools for Information, Communication, Support, and Family Engagement in Adult Intensive Care Units: A Scoping Review.Healthcare (Basel, Switzerland) · 2026Review
- Patients' experiences with a nurse-led transmural headache care pathway: a qualitative study.BMC nursing · 2026Article
- Mapping the health management journey map of patients with Stanford type A aortic dissection.BMC cardiovascular disorders · 2025Article
- Phenomenological Study on the Lived Experience of Patients After Major Cardiac Surgery in Intensive Care Units.Nursing in critical care · 2025Article
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Authors and funding
8 authors.
Funding
No grant is acknowledged in the PubMed record.
Abstract
backgroundIntensive care unit (ICU) experiences after cardiac surgery significantly influence patient outcomes, including psychological disorders, quality of life and overall comfort. The existing literature emphasises psychological impacts and transitions from ICU to general wards, but there is a paucity of qualitative research focussing specifically on post-cardiac surgery ICU experiences.
aimThis study aimed to explore the lived experiences of patients in the ICU following major cardiac surgery, providing a comprehensive understanding of their emotional and psychological challenges. STUDY
designUtilising Cohen's phenomenological approach, we conducted in-depth interviews with 20 patients from a cardiothoracic ICU in Southern Italy. Participants were chosen through purposive sampling. Data were analysed using thematic analysis to identify recurring themes.
resultsFive main themes emerged from the data: (1) 'Closing the eyes and not opening them', highlighting pervasive fear and anxiety; (2) 'Confusion upon awakening', marked by disoriented memories and the fear of not being able to breathe; (3) 'Time stood still', describing a distorted perception of time; (4) 'The closeness of my angels: the nurses', underscoring the critical role of nursing support; and (5) 'The other side: exclusion from care', reflecting feelings of marginalisation during the care process.
conclusionsThe study underscores the complex experiences of ICU patients' post-cardiac surgery, emphasising the need for psychological support and inclusive communication strategies to enhance patient outcomes. Further research should focus on developing tailored interventions to support these patients through their recovery process. RELEVANCE TO CLINICAL PRACTICE: There is a clear need for enhanced psychological support for patients before, during and after the ICU stay. Preoperative education programmes that set realistic expectations and provide coping strategies can significantly reduce anxiety and improve patient outcomes. Additionally, enhancing the role of nurses in offering emotional support and involving patients in care decisions can lead to a more positive ICU experience. Psychological interventions can optimise preoperative expectations and reduce hospital stays, offering significant cost-benefit advantages for healthcare systems.
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