Challenges in Thirst Management for Intubated Patients in the ICU: A Qualitative Study of Healthcare Provider and Patient Perspectives

You Yuan,1,* Li-Feng He,1,* Qian Luo,1 Xia Zhang,1 Fang Chen,1 Ru-Jun Hu1– 3 1Department of Critical Care Medicine, Affiliated Hospital of Zunyi Medical University, Zunyi, Guizhou, 563000, People’s Republic of China; 2Department of Nursing, Affiliated Hospital of Zunyi Medical University, Zunyi, Guizhou, 563000, People’s Republic of China; 3School of Nursing, Zunyi Medical University, Zunyi, Guizhou, 563000, People’s Republic of China*These authors contributed equally to this workCorrespondence: Ru-Jun Hu, Department of Nursing, Affiliated Hospital of Zunyi Medical University, No. 149 Dalian Road, Huichuan District, Zunyi, Guizhou Province, 563000, People’s Republic of China, Tel +86 15085060545, Email [email protected]: This study aims to examine the challenges associated with thirst management among patients undergoing tracheal intubation in intensive care units (ICUs), and to inform the development of more effective clinical strategies.Methods: A qualitative research design was employed using semi-structured interviews with 32 participants, including healthcare professionals and patients who had experienced tracheal intubation and associated thirst in the ICU. Interview content addressed themes such as the expression, recognition, and management of thirst. Thematic analysis was used to identify key patterns within the data.Results: Four major themes emerged from the analysis: (1) communication barriers in the expression and recognition of thirst; (2) difficulty distinguishing between physiological and psychological thirst; (3) limitations and deficiencies in current thirst management practices; and (4) cognitive disparities between healthcare providers and patients regarding thirst perception. These findings underscore the multifaceted nature of thirst management in tracheal intubation.Conclusion: Thirst management for patients undergoing tracheal intubation in the ICU involves complex, multidimensional challenges. The findings offer clinically relevant insights that may enhance the ability of healthcare providers to recognize and assess thirst, support the development of targeted communication strategies and interventions, and facilitate greater patient involvement in care decisions, thereby contributing to improved treatment adherence and nursing quality.Keywords: clinical challenges, cognitive differences, communication barriers, intubated patients, thirst management