Exploring patients' experiences of a nurse-led follow-up service after critical care.
OBJECTIVE
To explore the impact of critical care experiences on patients' long-term health.


METHODS
This was a mixed-method interview and questionnaire study that involved patients in the design. Patients were interviewed at different times up to 12 months after critical care discharge.


RESULTS
Thirty-seven interviews were carried out with 28 patients. Themes included: rehabilitation from critical care; memories; uncertainty and fear; and empathy; with reassurance as a core theme. Psychological implications need to be considered and nurses' sensitivity and preventative care can help patients deal with the stress and aftermath of critical care.


CONCLUSIONS
Follow-up services, such as the nurse-led service described here, are important in supporting patients.
Pattison
Natalie
N
The Royal Marsden NHS Foundation Trust.
Dolan
Shelley
S
D000359:Aftercare / Q000458:organization & administration / Q000523:psychology; D000553:Ambulatory Care / Q000458:organization & administration / Q000523:psychology; D001294:Attitude to Health; D002173:Cancer Care Facilities; D003266:Continuity of Patient Care / Q000458:organization & administration; D003422:Critical Care / Q000458:organization & administration / Q000523:psychology; D004645:Empathy; D005239:Fear; D005770:Gastrointestinal Neoplasms / Q000523:psychology / Q000534:rehabilitation / Q000601:surgery; D006301:Health Services Needs and Demand; D006801:Humans; D008137:Longitudinal Studies; D008960:Models, Psychological; D024802:Nurse's Role / Q000523:psychology; D015404:Nursing Methodology Research; D010351:Patient Discharge; D036301:Qualitative Research; D011795:Surveys and Questionnaires; D006113:United Kingdom