Patients' experience while transitioning from the intensive care unit to a ward

Background Intensive care unit (ICU) patients can experience emotional distress and post‐traumatic stress disorder when they leave the ICU, also referred to as post‐intensive care syndrome. A deeper understanding of what patients go through and what they need while they are transitioning from the ICU to the general ward may provide input on how to strengthen patient‐centred care and, ultimately, contribute to a positive experience. Aim To describe the patients' experience while transitioning from the ICU to a general ward. Design A descriptive qualitative study. Method Data were gathered through in‐depth interviews and analysed using a qualitative content analysis. The qualitative study was reported in accordance with the Consolidated Criteria for Reporting Qualitative Research guidelines. Findings Forty‐eight interviews were conducted. Impact on emotional well‐being emerged as a main theme, comprising four categories with six subcategories. Conclusion Transition from the ICU can be a shock for the patient, leading to the emergence of a need for information, and an impact on emotional well‐being that has to be planned for carefully and addressed prior to, during, and following transition from the ICU to the general ward. Relevance to clinical practice It is essential that nurses understand patients' experiences during transfer, identifying needs and concerns to be able to develop and implement new practices such as ICU Liaison Nurse or Nurse Outreach for the follow‐up of these patients, the inclusion of a consultant mental health nurse, and the application of patient empowerment during ICU discharge.