Perceptions of adult intensive care unit patients regarding nursing presence and their intensive care experiences: A descriptive-correlational study

Aims and Objectives: This study aims to determine the relationship between perceptions of nursing presence and intensive care experiences in adult intensive care unit patients'. Background: Intensive care units (ICUs) are settings where patients have many negative emotions and experiences, which affect both treatment and post-discharge outcomes. The holistic presence of nurses may help patients turn their negative emotions and experiences into positive ones. Design: A descriptive-correlational design was used and reported according to the STROBE checklist. Methods: The sample consisted of 182 participants. Data were collected using a personal information form, the Glasgow Coma Scale (GCS), the Intensive Care Experience Scale (ICES), and the Presence of Nursing Scale (PONS). Results: A strong positive correlation existed between total ICES and PONS scores (r = 0.889, p < 0.001). There was a strong positive correlation between PONS total score and ICES subscales (awareness of surroundings (r = 0.751, p < 0.001), frightening experiences (r = 0.770, p < 0.001), recall of experience (r = 0.774, p < 0.001), and satisfaction with care (r = 0.746, p < 0.001)). Males (beta = -0.139, p < 0.05), and patients who were university and higher education graduate (beta = 0.137, p < 0.05) had higher positive ICU experiences. It was also found length of ICU stay was correlated with ICU experiences and nursing presence. Conclusions: The more positively the patients perceive nurses, the better ICU experiences they have. Gender and education level were found determinants of adult ICU patients' experiences. ICU length of stay predicted what kind of experience patients have and how much they feel the presence of nurses. Relevance to Clinical Practice: Nurses should make their presence felt completely and holistically by using their communication skills for patients have more positive intensive care experiences. Nurses should consider variables which affects patients' ICU experiences and nursing presence.