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Qualitative Health Research, Vol. 17, No. 7, 893-901 (2007)
DOI: 10.1177/1049732307303304

Diaries Written for ICU Patients

Marie-José Roulin

University Hospitals Geneva, Switzerland

Samia Hurst

University of Geneva, Switzerland and University Hospitals Geneva, Switzerland

Rebecca Spirig

University of Basel, Switzerland and University Hospital, Basel, Switzerland

Diaries are written for critically ill patients, to help them understand their intensive care stay and come to terms with their illness. The aim of this content analysis of eight such diaries is to understand the potential benefits for patients and families of this care intervention. A main category emerged: Sharing throughout the ICU time. Four themes were identified: (a) Sharing the story, (b) Sharing the presence, (c) Sharing feelings, and (d) Sharing through support. The first theme reflects the narration of daily events. The second is the perceived presence of health professionals and family at the patient's bedside and the presence of the patient as a person through the diary entries. The third theme describes the expression of feelings as written throughout the text. The last theme refers to the support offered to the patient. The diaries reflect the commitment and care of contributors to the patients' welfare.

Key Words: diaries • intensive care units • content analysis • nursing • critical illness


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