Targeted Care in Comatose Patients with Head Injury: A Qualitative Content Analysis

Brain injury and coma after trauma are major health problems all over the world as the hemodynamic indicators of patients fluctuate and their clinical conditions deteriorate. Consequently, the demand for professional care will increase. Accordingly, this study aimed to explain the experiences of people caring for comatose patients with head injury. The present study was conducted using a conventional qualitative content analysis approach. The participants were selected through purposive sampling and the sampling process continued until data saturation. A total of 17 nurses and 3 head nurses working in the intensive care units (ICUs) of Sabzevar University of Medical Sciences in 2022 participated in the study. Data analysis led to the identification of three main categories and nine subcategories including clarification of needs (understanding patients’ needs based on symptoms, intensive vision, application of care knowledge), continuous care to facilitate transition (skilled and quality care, progress monitoring, continuity in care and teamwork), and empathic support (living in the patient’s world, therapeutic relationship, and conscience-oriented actions. As a result, “targeted care” was detected as the main theme of the study. According to the results of the current study, in order for nurses to perform targeted care to get patients out of critical situations as quickly as possible, first a detailed examination is required to identify the patients’ needs and problems. Then, continuous nursing care with comprehensive support should be provided to the patients. The results of this study can instill motivation in care and improve its quality, ultimately leading to patient-centered nursing and treatment.