Voices from the ICU: Perspectives on Humanization in Critical Care Settings

Abstract

In the intensive care unit (ICU), relentless demands of immediate action, reliance on high-tech equipment, and weight of an overwhelming workload can obscure the patient's humanity. The impact of this dehumanization and humanization may be significant, hence the study aimed to understand experiences of ICU patients and their families and seek to understand the outcomes of such encounters during the course of ICU care. The study was based on inductive-grounded theory approach. After taking informed consent, the investigators invited the participants for the interview, in the vernacular language that was audio recorded and field notes were taken. Under the two main dimensions of humanization and dehumanization, the data yielded four main themes and eight sub-themes. The themes were communication, infrastructure, experience of care and patient autonomy. The dehumanizing behaviors contributed to patients feeling disregarded and undermined their sense of dignity and worth. To our understanding, this is the foremost barrier to a heathy patient-physician relationship. However, by prioritizing humanization in the ICU, healthcare professionals can create a more compassionate and supportive environment. Hence, it is essential to implement strategies that improve patient and family support in the ICU, such as providing regular updates on the patient's condition, offering emotional support through counseling services, and involving families in the care decision-making process. These measures can help alleviate the vulnerability experienced by patients and their families during such challenging times.

How to cite this article: Paul G, Mahajan RK, Gautam PL, Kaur G, Paul SS, Paul B. Voices from the ICU: Perspectives on Humanization in Critical Care Settings. Indian J Crit Care Med 2024;28(10):923-929.

Keywords: Communication; Dehumanization; Experience of care; Families; Humanization; Infrastructure; Patient autonomy.