Researchers conducted a three-phased study: writing in the diary about patient events in the cardiac ICU; a follow-up visit with the patient within one week of cardiac ICU transfer; and a follow-up telephone call two months after hospital discharge. Of 26 patients who participated, 13 completed all three phases.
Researchers found:
• The diary allowed patients to correlate memories to actual events.
• Patients could read about their families’ experiences during their ICU stay.
• Recovery was an emotional process that affected the patient’s readiness to read the diary.
• Patients expressed a desire for more entries by caregivers.
More articles on healthcare quality:
8 ways hospitals are cutting readmissions
How CoxHealth uses hand scanners to prevent medical errors
Human trafficking crisis drives Delaware hospitals to create victim care guidelines
