PFCC in Critical Care-Reflective Analysis

Stage 1-What?

Borton's developmental framework is an easy method to practice reelection in the work. After watching multiple videos and through coursework I can reflect on patient and family-centered care in the ICU. Focusing on various experiences of patients and their families, I came to understand the significance of emotional and psychological support, while also catering to the technical aspect of care provision. As I watched the videos, I observed that nurses were eager to go above and beyond with their care duties in the ICU, to foster a positive environment of trust, facilitating the recovery process and positive outcomes. However, some videos also pointed out the issues of inconsistencies in care provision and emotional desensitisation, which are reported in the technical environment of the ICU.

In one case a patient was extremely grateful for the care she received and how the nurse obliged her wish to wash her hair every day, a simple act that made her experience significant in a vulnerable time. Another patient mentioned how a nurse would joke to interact with him, making a terrifying experience more manageable and a positive one. However, one patient complained about the lack of consistency in the care process, frustrated at the fact that where some nurses were caring and empathetic others were harsh and uncooperative. Thus, the issue here is the inconsistency of care, where some nurses excelled in providing care and emotional support, while others were focused on the technicalities of the intensive care unit and appeared emotionally detached. Since the nurses were changing frequently for the patient, this created a sense of uncertainty for the patient and feelings of emotional neglect as the emotional element was undermined due to the technical requirement of the ICU settings.

In such circumstances, my role as a student nurse would be to understand the significance of holistic care, such that the patient feels valued and secure in such overwhelming environments. Thinking about my involvement, I imagine I would be aiming to provide emotional support at all costs while addressing the technical aspect of patient care. While observing the experiences of patients I learnt about the necessity to ensure a caring, empathetic and consistent environment in the ICU addressing the technical and emotional elements of the care plan.