ADVANCED PRACTICE NURSES´ EXPERIENCE WITH ADVERSE EVENTS IN INTENSIVE CARE UNITS: A DESCRIPTIVE QUALITATIVE STUDY

Introduction: In the complex and demanding realm of intensive care units (ICUs), advanced practice nurses (APNs) play a pivotal role in the orchestration of patient care and the navigation of the complex web of medical challenges. As highly skilled and specialized professionals, APNs are not only instrumental in clinical decision-making but also assume the responsibility of managing adverse events, which are inherent risks in critical care settings. Adverse events, ranging from medical errors to unexpected patient outcomes, present unique challenges. There is limited evidence regarding APNs and their understanding of adverse events, particularly in the context of ICUs. In the Slovak sociocultural context, research focusing on this issue is completely absent.
Goals and Methods: A descriptive qualitative study explored the experience of APNs with adverse events in ICUs. The study included a purposeful sample of ten APNs from ICUs working in a selected university hospital in the Slovak Republic. Data were collected between September 2022 and February 2023 using semi-structured interviews. Data were audio-recorded, then transcribed verbatim and analyzed by deductive thematic analysis in Atlas.ti.9.
Results: Based on thematic analysis, five meaningful themes were identified: Interpreting adverse events; Reasons for adverse events; Adverse event reporting; Barriers to reporting adverse event; Prevention strategies. Several subthemes reflected the experience of APNs with adverse events in ICUs.
Conclusions: These findings have implications for the broader healthcare landscape, emphasizing the need for targeted interventions, support systems, and educational initiatives. By acknowledging the different challenges faced by APNs in the context of adverse events, healthcare institutions can foster a culture of transparency, continuous learning, and resilience. The study serves as a steppingstone towards developing evidence-based strategies that empower APNs to navigate the complexities of ICUs, ensuring optimal patient care and safety in the face of adversity.