‘Those Were Smiling Eyes’: Patients' Experiences and Perceptions of ICU Health Care During Pandemics

Aim: The study aim is to explore the experiences of patients who were admitted to intensive care units due to severe SARS-CoV2 infection and their perceptions regarding the health care they received. This is important to provide appropriate support to the patients and prepare organisations for future pandemics. Design: Qualitative investigation with phenomenological approach. Methods: A semi-structured interview with 27 patients discharged from intensive care units was performed. The research was carried out from May to December 2021 in Italy. Participation was voluntary, and informed verbal consent was obtained from all participants after a full explanation of the study objectives. Results: Thematic analysis of participants' interviews revealed five core themes related to their ICU hospitalisation experiences and perceptions of care: (1) Quality of received care, (2) Critical care issues, (3) Personal protective equipment and patient–healthcare professional interaction, (4) Relationship with nurses and (5) Strategies to ensure communication. The results show that despite barriers due to safety devices, patients with COVID-19 felt supported and cared for by healthcare professionals in several aspects during hospitalisation. However, post-discharge care programs are needed to reduce the long-term effects of the disease and provide more patient-centered care in the intensive care units and during future outbreaks. The study results offer interesting insights for improving practice in intensive care units and patient care in the event of future pandemics.