The use of comfort theory in the intensive care unit

Background: A well-functioning intensive care unit should support the patient's recovery by promoting their participation in treatment and care. Enhancing patient comfort in the intensive care unit can maximise the quality of nursing care and shorten the recovery period. Aim: To evaluate the effects of nursing interventions based on comfort theory on comfort levels and perceived environmental stressors of patients in the intensive care unit. Methods: A randomised controlled trial was conducted between 15 October 2019 and 15 February 2020, including 50 intensive care unit patients divided into intervention (n=25) and control (n=25) groups. The intervention group received structured nursing care plans designed according to comfort theory, while the control group received standard intensive care unit care. Data collection tools included the Patient Identification Form, General Comfort Scale and Intensive Care Unit Environmental Stressor Scale. Data analysis used parametric tests to assess differences between groups. Results: The intervention group had a significantly higher comfort level (General Comfort Scale score: 142±28±10.84) compared to the control group (General Comfort Scale score: 111.36±13.34). Additionally, the Intensive Care Unit Environmental Stressor Scale scores, which indicate perceived stressors, were lower in the intervention group (86.25±14.38) compared to the control group (111.80±14.25), suggesting that structured nursing care significantly reduced environmental stress. Conclusions: Findings demonstrated that nursing interventions structured according to comfort theory improved patient comfort levels and reduced environmental stressors in intensive care unit patients. The study highlights the importance of patient-centered nursing care and technology-assisted interventions in enhancing patient wellbeing in critical care settings. Further research is recommended to explore the long-term benefits of these interventions in diverse intensive care unit populations.