[Mechanical ventilation and early weaning: a qualitative study on patient's experiences in an intensive care unit].

SUMMARY: Mechanical ventilation and early weaning: a qualitative study on patient's experiences in an intensive care unit. INTRODUCTION: The weaning from mechanical ventilation of intensive care unit (ICU) patients may cause anxiety. The feelings and experience during this procedure may affect their physical and psychological wellbeing. AIM: To describe patients' feelings during intubation time and weaning. METHOD: Phenomenological study on 16 patients who underwent an off pump bypass and mechanical ventilation <24 hours. The patients were contacted 5-7 days after discharge from ICU. RESULTS: The analysis of the interviews generated three issues arising from patients' experience: the discomfort mainly for the endotracheal tube, the fear of extubation and sense of safety for the presence of the nurse. CONCLUSIONS: Mechanical ventilation and weaning, in spite of the evolution of the anesthetic techniques, continue to generate unpleasant feelings.