A qualitative exploration into the long-term perspectives of patients receiving critical care diaries across the United Kingdom

BACKGROUND: Increasing evidence suggests the use of a diary with entries by nurses, doctors, AHPs and the patient's family can potentially help by "filling in the gaps" and help the patient make sense of a time that they have forgotten or feel confused and have fears about.

AIMS: A qualitative exploration of the impact of diaries on critical care patients around the United Kingdom in order to describe the long-term effects of patient diaries.

METHODS: In-depth qualitative interviews, using principles of grounded theory, via telephone and email were undertaken. The sample included former patients who responded via adverts on critical care charity/support websites. People who had diaries in the previous 1-3 years were asked about their experiences.

FINDINGS: Eight people who had been patients in various critical care units across the United Kingdom and who had a critical care diary were interviewed. All reported value in having diaries, however, participants reported needing support when first receiving the diary to understand events that took place in critical care.

CONCLUSION: Diaries can offer a means of filing the gaps for patients who struggle with coming to terms with their critical care recovery, but should be given to patients with forethought and subsequent support.