Experiences of Being in an Intensive Care Unit: A Qualitative Phenomenological Study

Introduction: Recovery among individuals discharged from Intensive Care Units (ICUs) is often prolonged and suboptimal. Many patients experience significant physical, emotional, and cognitive complications. Enhancing patient involvement in decision-making has become a contemporary priority and is expected to further improve the quality of ICU care. This study aimed to explore the experiences of individuals admitted to the ICU. Methods: This qualitative study employed a hermeneutic phenomenological approach and recruited 12 participants with varied diagnoses who had stayed in different ICUs for a minimum of four days. In-depth, face-to-face, semi-structured interviews were conducted using a content-validated interview guide to explore participants’ detailed experiences. Data were collected until saturation was reached, meaning no new codes or themes emerged. All interviews were audio-recorded and lasted 30–45 minutes; recordings were transcribed verbatim into English and subsequently imported into QDA Miner Lite software for analysis. Results: Analysis yielded eight themes and 22 subthemes. The identified themes were: Overall Experience; Food, Hygiene, and Cleanliness; Communication with Staff; Transition from ICU to Ward; Sleep Disturbances; Emotions Experienced and Perceptions; Obstacles to Recovery; and Suggestions for Improving Care. Conclusion: The study found that most patients were satisfied with the overall ICU care they received. However, they reported issues such as inadequate sleep, hygiene concerns, and encounters with uncooperative or rude staff, which further complicated their transition to other wards. Participants recommended increasing the number of qualified, empathetic, and respectful staff in ICUs to make patients’ ICU stays more comfortable.