Abstract
Managing patients with open abdomen post-operatively has become a daily procedure in intensive care units as it reduces mortality rates in patients with abdominal hypertension, abdominal compartment syndrome and abdominal sepsis. The routine nursing care is more challenging because these nurses should constantly observe the open abdomen which is only covered with a temporary dressing. The researcher has observed that nurses prefer not to nurse patients with open abdomen as they fear that the abdominal contents will protrude.
The purpose of the study was to explore and describe the experiences of professional nurses taking care of patients with open abdomen in intensive care in an academic hospital in Gauteng and to describe the recommendations for assisting professional nurses in taking care of patients with open abdomen. The research design used was a qualitative, exploratory, descriptive and contextual design. The target population was professional nurses with more than one year experience caring for patients with open abdomen and are working in a specific adult intensive care unit. Four focus group interviews were conducted and each comprised of six participants. The research question which was addressed was: What are the experiences of the professional nurses caring for patients with open abdomen in intensive care unit? What recommendations can be made for assisting professional nurses in taking care of patients with open abdomen in intensive care unit?
Data saturation was reached on the fourth interview. Data were analysed using Tesch‟s method. Three themes also emerged: difficulty in nursing care, complications suffered by patients and poor hospital administration. Recommendations for assisting professional nurses in taking care of patients with open abdomen were then described from the findings of four focus group interviews. Ethical principles and measures of trustworthiness were adhered to throughout the research study. This study revealed that professional nurses in intensive care unit have difficulties in caring for patients with open abdomen due to lack of protocols, lack of equipment, lack of knowledge and skill by the nurses and doctors. This lead to patients developing complications such as infections and fistulas while nurses develop psychological problems. In-service programs and debriefing sessions should be conducted to assist professional nurses in caring for patients with open abdomen.
M.Cur.