ICU nurses' experiences and perspectives of caring for obstetric patients in intensive care: a qualitative study.
OBJECTIVE
The aim of this study was to gain an understanding of the experiences and perspectives of intensive care nurses caring for critically ill obstetric patients.


BACKGROUND
Current literature suggests critically ill obstetric patients need specialised, technically appropriate care to meet their specific needs with which many intensive care nurses are unfamiliar. Furthermore, there is little research and evidence to guide the care of this distinct patient group.


METHODS
This study used a descriptive qualitative design.


METHODS
Two focus groups were used to collect data from 10 Australian intensive care units nurses in May 2007. Open-ended questions were used to guide the discussion. Latent content analysis was used to analyse the data set. Each interview lasted no longer than 60 minutes and was recorded using audio tape. The full interviews were transcribed prior to in-depth analysis to identify major themes.


RESULTS
The themes identified from the focus group interviews were competence with knowledge and skills for managing obstetric patients in the intensive care unit, confidence in caring for obstetric patients admitted to the intensive care unit and acceptance of an expanded scope of practice perceived to include fundamental midwifery knowledge and skills.


CONCLUSIONS
The expressed lack of confidence and competence in meeting the obstetric and support needs of critically ill obstetric women indicates a clear need for greater assistance and education of intensive care nurses. This in turn may encourage critical care nurses to accept an expanded role of clinical practice in caring for critically ill obstetric patients.


CONCLUSIONS
Recognition of the issues for nurses in successfully caring for obstetric patients admitted to an adult intensive care setting provides direction for designing education packages, ensuring specific carepaths and guidelines are in place and that support from a multidisciplinary team is available including midwifery staff.
Authors: Kate Kynoch, BN, Grad Cert, MN, RN, Nurse Researcher, Mater Health Services; Jody Paxton, BN, Grad Cert, RN, Nurse Educator, Intensive Care Unit, Mater Adult Hospital; Anne M Chang, BN, PhD, FRCNA, RN, Professor of Clinical Nursing, Mater Health Services and Queensland University of Technology, Brisbane, Queensland, Australia.
Kate
K
Kynoch
Jody
J
Paxton
Anne M
AM
Chang
D000328:Adult; D001315:Australia; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D007362:Intensive Care Units; D008875:Middle Aged; D009741:Nursing Staff, Hospital / Q000523:psychology*; D009774:Obstetrics; D011247:Pregnancy; D000078329:Workforce