Perceptions of self in the intensive care unit after
cardiac surgery among adult Taiwanese and
American-Chinese patients
施富金Shih FJ. 摘要
Abstract
A descriptive qualitative design was used to compare Taiwanese and
American-Chinese patients' perceptions of self during their ICU recovery transition from cardiac surgery. A convenience sample consisting of 35 adult patients having cardiac surgery was obtained from two study sites in Taiwan (N = 30) and the USA (N = 5). Data were gathered through semi-structured interviews and analyzed by
qualitative content analysis. Patients' perceptions of self in the ICU included global sensations of abnormality, 'Tong-Kou' (Chinese, meaning physiologically and/or psychologically painful), and "Chin-Son' (Chinese, meaning physiologically and/or psychologically relaxed). The specific perceptions were the physical, psychological, cognitive, social, and spiritual self. The nature and conceptual definition of Chinese patients' perceptions of self, as well as the impact of these perceptions on their recovery in the ICU were further delineated.