Could the use of ICU diaries be a tool to strengthen the nurse-patient relationship in ICU?

Abstract: ABSTRACT  Background: ICU diaries are initiated by critical care nurses to document events that take place during patients’ ICU stays with the aim to help patients recall memories of what happened. The relationship dimension in the Fundamentals of Care (FoC) framework begins with the ability of nurses to connect with patients, and through this connection, nurses try to meet and help the patient to meet his/her fundamental needs. The role of ICU diaries in establishing a nurse-patient relationship is unknown. Aim: The aim of the study was to examine the use of the ICU diary as a tool to strengthen nurse-patient relationships.  Method: A literature review with inductive content analysis of 20 primary articles. The results were interpreted and discussed using the establishing relationship dimension of the FoC framework. Findings: The statements of patients and nurses about the use of diaries reflect a strong nurse-patient relationship dimension. When combined with ICU follow-up sessions, the relationship is further strengthened, as there is more understanding and knowledge of the bond retrospectively. Conclusion: All elements of the FoC establishing relationship dimension, namely focus, knowing, trusting, anticipating and evaluating are visible in the diaries, and several statements by nurses suggest that using the diaries may have a positive effect on the nurse-patient relationship. However, to what extent the nurse-patient relationship is strengthened by the use of the diaries is less clear and remains an open question. To answer this question, controlled comparative studies would be required.