Evaluation of the feasibility and acceptability of a nursing intervention program to facilitate the transition of adult SCI patients and their family from ICU to a trauma unit

Abstract Background Transfer from ICU to a general ward is recognized as a high-risk episode of care especially for patients with SCI. Objective To evaluate the feasibility and acceptability of a nursing intervention program developed to optimize the transition of SCI patients and their family from ICU to a trauma unit. Methods A participative-constructivist design was used for the co-construction and preliminary evaluation of interventions by researchers, patients, families and health professionals through individual interviews and a focus group. Results Nine tetraplegic patients, 8 families and 8 health professionals participated in the study. Interventions pertaining to provision of information with regard to the functioning of the trauma unit and gradual decrease of ICU monitoring and nursing surveillance were found to be feasible. Other interventions, such as patients', and families', introduction to the receiving team and the use of a written report form were more difficult to apply. Patients and families considered the program very helpful and both greatly appreciated being informed about differences in the intensity of care between the two units. Health professionals also identified the provision of such information as facilitating the transition of care. Conclusion The nursing intervention program proposed in this study was found for the most part to be feasible and acceptable. Need for refinements were identified which will be considered before further evaluation.