<p>ABSTRACT</p><p><strong>Background:</strong> A diary often helps the critically ill patient better to understand her/his illness and fill gaps in memory regarding their experiences in the ICU. To date there appears to be a lack of research that specifically focuses on family members’ experiences of the use of a diary within the intensive care setting. <strong>Aim: </strong>The aim of the study was to explore how family members experienced a diary kept during their sick relative’s stay in the ICU. <strong>Methodology: </strong>A qualitative methodology and, in particular, a hermeneutic approach were deemed to be appropriate for the study. Eleven participants were interviewed relating to nine diaries. Collected data have been analysed using hermeneutic interpretation inspired by Gadamer. <strong>Findings:</strong> Family members experienced that the diary sustained strengthened and deepened the connection to their sick relative and confirmed the presence of family members at bedside. The diary worked as a forum for mutual exchange of information between nurses and family members which led to a feeling of being united with the nurses in understanding. This in turn created a sense of togetherness and the family members didn’t feel neglected. In addition the diary was experienced as an implied hope that the outcome of the ICU stay would be good<strong>, </strong>thereby lending strength to worried family members<strong>. Conclusion: </strong>The diary was experienced as a tool that enhanced family members’ wellbeing.</p>
| Identifer | oai:union.ndltd.org:UPSALLA/oai:DiVA.org:lnu-6765 |
| Date | January 2010 |
| Creators | Johansson, Maria |
| Publisher | Linnaeus University, School of Health and Caring Sciences |
| Source Sets | DiVA Archive at Upsalla University |
| Language | English |
| Detected Language | English |
| Type | Student thesis, text |
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