Uncertainty experienced by the critical patient upon discharge to the general ward: Care proposals from the perspective of Mishel's theory

Abstract Background The process of discharging the critical patient to the ward (discharge from critical care to the general ward—DCCW) is often described as an experience involving uncertainty which may affect the patient's quality of life and ability to cope. Coping with uncertainty is an individual response not related to the course of the illness that is dependent on external and internal resources and the ability to utilize them. Mishel's theory of uncertainty identifies aspects of care that can shape the experience of uncertainty associated with the illness. Aim To understand the experiences of uncertainty of critical patients associated with discharge from the intensive care unit (ICU) to glean person‐centred care strategies under such circumstances. Study Design Qualitative study with a phenomenological approach. Between March 2017 and May 2018, 20 in‐depth interviews were conducted on patients recently discharged from an ICU. Results The patients have been organized according to the following pre‐established categories of Mishel's theory: stimulus framework, structure providers and uncertainty assessment. Based on these results, suggestions for the care of the critical patient upon discharge from the ICU are made in each of these categories. Conclusions Applying Mishel's theoretical perspective to care for the critical patient during the process of discharge to the ward can help identify areas for intervention and improvement. To succeed, there is a need to promote a cultural change in ICUs, empower nurses and provide the necessary resources. Relevance to Clinical Practice These findings are relevant and timely given the impact of the experience of critical patients discharge to the ward. Uncertainty management has been identified as an important element in the discharge experience of critically ill patients to the ward because, according to the informants' stories, it can make this transition a healthier process with less emotional impact.