New technology creates stressful and demanding situations: Critical Care Nurses' experiences with Impella® treatment

Background The use of Impella treatment has resulted in better survival in critically ill heart patients. Impella is an advanced heart pump used in, among other conditions, cardiogenic shock, and the use of this treatment is increasing. Intensive care nurses have a central role in this treatment, and it is important to be professionally up-to-date. Studies show that more knowledge about intensive care nurses' experience with Impella treatment is needed. Aim To explore critical care nurses’ experiences with intensive care patients undergoing Impella treatment. Methods The study has a qualitative research approach. Data was collected through two focus group interviews with eight critical care nurses who had varied experiences with Impella. Knodel’s practical four step approach was used to analyze the data. Results The study identified three main themes. The first theme describes stressful and demanding situations for critical care nurses when caring for patients with Impella treatment. The second theme concerns the lack of standard guidelines for treatment with Impella including practical and theoretical education for critical care nurses. The third theme describes how teamwork and the allocation of responsibilities reduces stress for the staff involved in the Impella treatment. Conclusion There is a lack of procedures for practical and theoretical education. Impella treatment can be physically and psychologically stressful for the patients and critical care nurses.