Experiences of Being an Adult Patient Receiving Mechanical Ventilator

Abstract

This qualitative research aimed to describe experiences of being an adult patient receiving mechanical ventilator. Hermeneutic phenomenology guided by concept of Heidegger was used Twelve adult patients with first time receiving mechanical ventilator at least six days were selected following a purposive sampling method. In-depth interview with audiotape recording was used to collect data and transcribed verbatim. The data were analyzed by using  van Manen’s approach.

The findings revealed  eight categories: 1)  A ventilator functioning as  a lung when not being breathe 2) Living with a ventilator is liked a dying person needing spiritual support 3) Suffering from pain but  trying to accept and live with it 4) Getting really hurt  when coughing and suctioning 5) Being frustrated when no one understands what he/she needs 6) How to getting sleep while having fear in mind 7) Receiving good services enhances his/her feeling of safe 8) Thinking of the future makes him/her wish to get well soon.

These findings can be used as a guideline in providing care for patients with ventilators holistically, in responding critically ill patients’ needs, and in emphasizing on humanistic care.