Abstract
Background: There are no studies in the literature that explore and describe the concept of transformation from the perspective of patients, family members, and nurses during critical illness in the intensive care unit (ICU).
Objectives: The purpose of this article is to explore and describe the concept of transformation among patients, their families, and nurses during critical illness in the ICU.
Methods: The concept "transformation" is a theme illuminated from a qualitative phenomenological study conducted in the ICU in 2010. Fifteen participants were interviewed until data saturation was achieved. van Manen's holistic, selective, and detailed line-by-line approach was used to analyze the data until themes emerged.
Results: Processes of transformation related to ICU experience during critical illness were noted among the patients, family members, and nurses and presented in the following descriptors: (a) patients: a "wake-up call," "the longest days of my life," and "thankful to be alive"; (b) family members: "the experience made me emotionally empowered," and "the experience strengthened my faith"; (c) nurses: "the experience made me grow as a person," "the experience made me more enthusiastic for learning," and "realization that good care equals family satisfaction thus own personal satisfaction."
Discussion: The concept of transformation from the perspective of a triad of patients, their families, and nurses may be noted in other conditions other than critical illness; thus, replicating studies with different populations and settings is needed.