Perspectives of nurses in outpatient intensive care facilities in Germany: A qualitative study

OBJECTIVES: The aim of this study was to examine the current perspectives and experiences of nurses regarding their role in the care of chronically critically ill patients in outpatient intensive care facilities in Germany. BACKGROUND: Significant advances in intensive care medicin hav led to improve patient survival rates. However, patients are often left with chronic impairments as a result. Many patients who have undergone long term ventilation in the ICU require complex follow-up care in specialist facilities. The day-to- day work of nurses in outpatient intensive care facilities is demanding and can be associated with considerable stress. METHODS: A qualitative descriptive design was used. Qualitative data were collected through audiorecorded semistructured interviews with a convenience sample of nurses from outpatient intensive care facilities in Germany between January and August 2024. Themes were identified through thematic analysis conducted by three researchers. FINDINGS: This interview study included 15 nurses (three men and 12 women) from outpatient intensive care services in Germany. Saturation, the point at which further interviews no longer provided any new information, was reached after the tenth interview. Three key themes were identified: (i) working conditions in outpatient intensive care facilities: the interviewed reported a manageable workload; (ii) possible ways of caring for the chronically ill and meeting their needs: the nurses interviewed reported on opportunities and ways of providing individualised, patient-centred care; and (iii) sense of purpose regarding individualised care: good working conditions enable nursing staff to work in accordance with their ethical standards. CONCLUSIONS: In this qualitative study of nursing experience of outpatient intensive care, nursing staff describe patient-centred care and the challenges they encounter when treating patients in outpatient intensive care facilities. In this context, strategies that incorporate nursing ethics and relationship development are required. The nurses interviewed found their work in outpatient intensive care fulfilling, which improved their motivation.