Nurses’ Experiences in Preventing or Reducing Sensory Deprivation and Sensory Overload in Intensive Care Patients: A Phenomenological Study

This study aimed to assess nurses’ experiences in preventing or reducing sensory deprivation and sensory overload in intensive care unit (ICU) patients, utilizing a phenomenological approach. The qualitative research involved face-to-face, semi-structured, in-depth interviews with 15 nurses working in a general ICU in the southern region of our country. Data collection continued until data saturation was achieved, and all interviews were audio recorded and transcribed. Colaizzi’s phenomenological analysis method was employed for data analysis, and adherence to the COREQ checklist was ensured throughout the study. The data analysis revealed 2 main categories (reflection on situations that may cause sensory deprivation and sensory overload in intensive care units and practices and coping experiences of nurses to avoid sensory deprivation and overload) and 6 themes (environment, disease, and its effects, being separated from the family environment and loved ones, challenges encountered, coping, and psychosocial applications). The results indicated that patients undergo sensory deprivation or sensory overload in the intensive care environment, with nurses playing a pivotal role in addressing these situations. It was observed that nurses encountered challenges in coping with sensory deprivation or sensory overload issues in patients. Nurses are advised to regularly assess training programs to ensure the ongoing promotion of safe nursing practices aimed at minimizing sensory deprivation or sensory overload in patients.