Re-humanization in the intensive care unit: perspective of the staff

Objectives

Humanization was introduced in our ICU in 1996. We performed research with patients and relatives, but never audited the staff's opinion. Through research for the ICU staff (doctors, nurses, respiratory therapists), we tried to create a profile of their point of view and then to improve the re-humanization program.

Materials and methods

Between January and March 2004, we carried out research with 15 questions about our re-humanization program, the profile of the interviewer and comments. The data were analyzed and communicated by posters inside the ICU. Our sample was 52 questionnaires.

Results

The answer rate was 96.5%. The mean age was 28.7 years old, 64.3% were female, 51.8% Catholics, and between 10 months and 5 years of labour time in the ICU. The idea and the program of re-humanization is important for 95.4%, but around 50% did not know it in detail. Noise was a problem in 67.3%. Relatives disturbed nurse's work for 82.6%. For patients, stress factors were fear (57.7%), anxiety (53.9%) and solitude (55.8%)

Conclusion

Listening to the staff, we could improve rehumanization and approximate who is involved. The staff has to understand the importance of the process and be aware of benefits from taking care with dignity.