To gain knowledge on what factors contribute to inner strength in critically ill patients cared for in an intensive care unit. The depth interviews were conducted with six former ventilator-treated patients aged 60-72 years.
The informants were recruited through the ICU at an urban hospital in Norway.
The study has an exploratory and descriptive design. A hermeneutic approach was used to interpret the data, in which Kvale's self-perception, critical common sense and theoretical levels were applied.
The study clearly demonstrates that there are certain factors that promote the inner strength of patients undergoing ventilator treatment. These are: ¡°To have the support of next of kin? ¡°The wish to go on living? ¡°To be seen?and ¡°Signs of progress? Amongst these patients it appears that the presence of one's next of kin has prime significance in promoting inner strength.