Abstract
Introduction:
Patient agitation in the intensive care unit (ICU) is a widespread concern, presenting significant challenges related to the delivery of quality care and ensuring the safety of patients, staff, and family members. This study aimed to undertake a concept analysis of patient agitation to enhance our limited understanding of the behaviours and to better understand how the behaviours can be prevented, minimised or managed.
Method:
This study employed Walker and Avant’s eight-step concept analysis approach to better understand patient agitation. A search was conducted across multiple databases, resulting in the inclusion and analysis of
36 papers. The focus was on uncovering definitions, attributes, antecedents, and consequences of patient agitation in the ICU.
Results:
Patient agitation was described as a psychomotor disturbance characterised by a marked increase in motor activities and emotional tension, accompanied by some or all of the following: a loss of control of action,
confusion, resistance or interruption of care, aggression, and change of vital signs. Early antecedents encompass critical illness, drugs, and pathophysiological processes, with multiple triggering antecedents including staff behaviours, environmental stressors, patients’ personal history, coping skills, and previous experiences. Consequences of agitation range from worsening or prolonging critical illness to the increased use of physical restraints and medication. Due to the complex nature of agitation, it is clear that clinicians must consider multiple strategies and not rely on medication alone.
Conclusion:
This analysis highlights the negative impacts of patient agitation in the ICU and emphasises the importance of multifaceted strategies to prevent, minimise, and manage the behaviours. While this analysis sheds light on the complex nature of patient agitation in the ICU, a comprehensive understanding is still evolving. Drawing on social and biological theories from outside the critical care context can be helpful in enhancing our limited understanding.
Patient agitation in the intensive care unit (ICU) is a widespread concern, presenting significant challenges related to the delivery of quality care and ensuring the safety of patients, staff, and family members. This study aimed to undertake a concept analysis of patient agitation to enhance our limited understanding of the behaviours and to better understand how the behaviours can be prevented, minimised or managed.
Method:
This study employed Walker and Avant’s eight-step concept analysis approach to better understand patient agitation. A search was conducted across multiple databases, resulting in the inclusion and analysis of
36 papers. The focus was on uncovering definitions, attributes, antecedents, and consequences of patient agitation in the ICU.
Results:
Patient agitation was described as a psychomotor disturbance characterised by a marked increase in motor activities and emotional tension, accompanied by some or all of the following: a loss of control of action,
confusion, resistance or interruption of care, aggression, and change of vital signs. Early antecedents encompass critical illness, drugs, and pathophysiological processes, with multiple triggering antecedents including staff behaviours, environmental stressors, patients’ personal history, coping skills, and previous experiences. Consequences of agitation range from worsening or prolonging critical illness to the increased use of physical restraints and medication. Due to the complex nature of agitation, it is clear that clinicians must consider multiple strategies and not rely on medication alone.
Conclusion:
This analysis highlights the negative impacts of patient agitation in the ICU and emphasises the importance of multifaceted strategies to prevent, minimise, and manage the behaviours. While this analysis sheds light on the complex nature of patient agitation in the ICU, a comprehensive understanding is still evolving. Drawing on social and biological theories from outside the critical care context can be helpful in enhancing our limited understanding.
| Original language | English |
|---|---|
| Pages | 83 |
| Number of pages | 1 |
| Publication status | Published - 15 Aug 2024 |
| Event | The National Nursing Forum 2024 - Cairns Convention Centre, Canberra, Australia Duration: 14 Aug 2024 → 16 Aug 2024 |
Conference
| Conference | The National Nursing Forum 2024 |
|---|---|
| Country/Territory | Australia |
| City | Canberra |
| Period | 14/08/24 → 16/08/24 |
Keywords
- Intensive care nursing
- Patient agitation
- Health care delivery
- Quality of care