Needs and expectations of the transitional care services in ICU of a tertiary hospital in Zhejiang province: a qualitative study

Objective To explore the needs and expectations of the transitional care services in ICU of a tertiary hospital in Zhejiang province, and to provide evidence for further implementation of ICU transitional care. Methods Three semi-structured focus group interviews were conducted among nurses from ICU and wards by using a purposive sampling during January and July in 2015. Another semi-structured in-depth interview was conducted in three ICU referral patients and their family members during the study period. The data were analyzed by content analysis method. Results The data had two main topics including: improving the connection and consistency between ICU and ward; promoting the rapid transition and the coordination between ICU and ward. Conclusions A clear need and expectation for ICU transitional care services is good for its further implementation. Key words: Nurses; Patient; Family member; Intensive care unit; Transitional care; Need; Qualitative study