Experiences of Intensive Care Unit Patients as They Transition to the Ward: A Thematic Synthesis

BACKGROUND: During the transfer of intensive care unit (ICU) patients to general wards, patients often experience transfer anxiety due to changes in the healthcare environment, staff and unfamiliarity with the new ward. However, the experiences of ICU patients during this transition period have received less attention. AIMS: A systematic review and synthesis of the experiences of patients transitioning from the ICU to the ward. DESIGN: Thematic synthesis of qualitative studies. DATA SOURCES: We searched the PubMed, Embase, CINAHL and Web of Science databases for qualitative research on the transition-to-ward experience of patients in ICUs for the year 2023 February. REVIEW METHODS: The quality of the literature was evaluated according to the qualitative research quality assessment criteria of the Joanna Briggs Institute, as outlined by the Australian Centre for Evidence-Based Healthcare. The data were then extracted from the studies, analysed and synthesised using a thematic synthesis approach. RESULTS: A total of 12 papers were included and the 32 findings were distilled and consolidated into three themes: emotional reactions; imperfections in the transition process; differences between wards and ICUs; and eight sub-themes: optimism; pessimism; emotionlessness; inadequate information; inadequate communication; physical condition; differences in care; differences in environment. CONCLUSIONS: The transfer from an ICU to a general ward is a major change of environment for the patient and can trigger upset and anxiety. Planning for turn-out, meeting patients' information needs and easing patients' emotions are critical in this process.