title: A phenomenological study of experiences of being cared for in a critical care setting: the meanings of the patient room as a place of care.
abstract: Previous research highlights the impact of care and treatment in ICUs on the patient recovery process and wellbeing. However, little is known about how the interior design in the ICU settings may affect patients' wellbeing.
  
  
  OBJECTIVE
  The aim of this study is, by using a lifeworld perspective, to reveal the meanings of the ICU settings as a place of care.
  
  
  METHODS
  Nine patients from three ICUs in Sweden participated. Data were collected using photo-voice methodology and were analysed using a reflective lifeworld phenomenological approach.
  
  
  RESULTS
  The ICU setting as a place of care for critically ill patients is a complex and multidimensional phenomenon. The place is constituted of patients, staff and technical equipment. The struggle for life and occurrences taking place there determine how the room is perceived. The tone and touch of caring together with interior design are fundamental for the room as lived. The room is experienced in various moods; a place of vulnerability, a place inbetween, a place of trust and security, a life-affirming place, a place of tenderness and care and an embodied place.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  Promoting patients' well-being and satisfaction of care involves integrating a good design and a caring attitude and paying attention to patients' needs.
authors.affiliation: University of Borås, Sweden. sepideh.olausson@hb.se
authors.forename: Sepideh
authors.initials: S
authors.lastname: Olausson
authors.forename: Berit
authors.initials: B
authors.lastname: Lindahl
authors.forename: Margaretha
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Ekebergh
mesh_terms: D001007:Anxiety; D064648:Critical Care Nursing; D016638:Critical Illness / Q000523:psychology; D065026:Hope; D006749:Hospital Design and Construction; D006801:Humans; D007362:Intensive Care Units; D017060:Patient Satisfaction; D035502:Trust