Seeing beyond monitors. Critical care nurses’ multiple skills in patient observation : Descriptive qualitative study

Abstract

Objectives

The aim of this study was to provide a comprehensive description of multiple skills in patient observation in critical care nursing.

Research methodology

Data from semi-structured interviews were analysed using thematic analysis.

Setting

Experienced critical care nurses (n = 20) from three intensive care units in two university hospitals in Finland.

Findings

Patient observation skills consist of: information gaining skills, information processing skills, decision-making skills and co-operation skills. The first three skills are integrated in the patient observation process, in which gaining information is a prerequisite for processing information that precedes making decisions. Co-operation has a special role as it occurs throughout the process.

Conclusion

This study provided a comprehensive description of patient observation skills related to the three-phased patient observation process. The findings contribute to clarifying this part of the competence. The description of patient observation skills may be applied in both clinical practice and education as it may serve as a framework for orientation, ensuring clinical skills and designing learning environments. Based on this study, patient observation skills can be recommended to be included in critical care nursing education, orientation and as a part of critical care nurses’ competence evaluation.