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Interhospital intensive care unit-to-unit transfers are an increasing phenomenon, earlier mainly studied from a patient safety perspective. Using data from video recordings and participant observations, the aim was to explore and interpret the observed nature of the patient's situation during interhospital intensive care unit-to-unit transfers. Data collection from eight transfers resulted in over 7 hours of video material and field notes. Using a hermeneutical approach, three themes emerged: being visible and invisible; being in a constantly changing space; and being a fettered body in constant motion. The patient's situation can be viewed as an involuntary journey, one where the patient exists in a constantly changing space drifting in and out of the health personnel's attention and where movements from the journey become part of the patient's body. Interhospital transfers of vulnerable patients emerge as a complex task, challenging the health personnel's ability to maintain a caring atmosphere around these patients.

Aims and objectives: To reveal meanings of family members' lived experiences when a loved one undergoes an interhospital intensive care unit‐to‐unit transfer. Background: Interhospital intensive care unit‐to‐unit transfers take place between different hospitals and their respective intensive care units (ICUs). These types of transfers are an increasing phenomenon but are sparsely studied from the family members' perspective. Indeed, the patient's critical illness and care can have a major impact on family members. During the transfer process, there is a demand for the involved intensive care health personnel to make family members feel safe and cared for. Design: A qualitative design based on phenomenological hermeneutics. Methods: The study was conducted at two Swedish general ICUs. Data were generated through individual in‐depth interviews with seven family members and analysed using a phenomenological hermeneutical approach. The Criteria for Reporting Qualitative Research principles were applied in the conduct and reporting of this study. Results: Four themes that reveal meanings of family members' lived experiences were developed: losing your safe haven, dealing with uncertainty, carrying your own and others' burdens and a wish to be close. Conclusions: The study reveals that an interhospital intensive care unit‐to‐unit transfer affects the whole family and is characterised by family members experiencing many negative feelings. The findings also illustrate that being a family member when a loved one is transferred means being exposed to the core existential elements of being human, such as loneliness and searching for meaning. Relevance to clinical practice: The study highlights the importance of maintaining a family‐centred approach during the transfer process. Our findings can provide deeper knowledge for intensive care health personnel, better preparing them for the delicate task of providing family‐centred care during the interhospital intensive care unit‐to‐unit transfer process. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

To explore critical care nurses' lived experiences of transferring intensive care patients between hospitals. A phenomenological hermeneutic approach using data generated through individual interviews with 11 critical care registered nurses. Two general intensive care units in Sweden. Five themes were identified: it depends on me; your care makes a difference; being exposed; depending on interprofessional relationships; and sensing professional growth. These themes were synthesised into a comprehensive understanding showing how transferring intensive care patients between hospitals meant being on an ambivalent journey together with the patient but also on a journey within yourself in your own development and growth, where you, as a nurse, constantly are torn between contradictory feelings and experiences. Interhospital intensive care unit-to-unit transfers can be a challenging task for critical care nurses but also an important opportunity for professional growth. During the transfer, nurses become responsible for the patient, their colleagues and the entire transfer process. In a time of an increasing number of interhospital intensive care unit-to-unit transfers, this study illuminates the risk for missed nursing care, showing that the critical care nurse has an important role in protecting the patient from harm and safeguarding dignified care. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]