The Intensive Care Unit Liaison Nurse and their value in averting clinical deterioration: A qualitative descriptive study

Intensive Care Unit Liaison Nurse roles are associated with improved clinical outcomes for patients and financial benefits for healthcare providers. However, there is little academic exploration of the ward nurses’ perspectives of the role and whether it can affect ward nurses’ confidence in identifying and managing the deteriorating patient. This study addresses this gap by examining both those perspectives. A qualitative descriptive approach was used, utilising semi-structured interviews to garner the perspectives of ward nurses. Interviews were conducted with ward nurses who had been involved in a Medical Emergency Team/Code Blue call; sought technical or clinical support; or had been at the bedside during a post intensive care unit discharge review. Data were analysed using thematic analysis. A private, not-for-profit, metropolitan acute care hospital. The participants identified four areas that contributed to improved patient care: reduced Medical Emergency Team/Code calls; improved ward based critical care knowledge through education; improved ward nurses’ confidence in dealing with the deteriorating patient and provision of technical support. The Intensive Care Unit Liaison Nurse role not only contributes to improved clinical patient outcomes; it also influences confidence levels of the ward nurses in managing deteriorating patients.