Multidimensional communication in the Intensive Care Unit: a qualitative analysis of the perspectives of patients, families, and the healthcare team

This descriptive qualitative study aimed to analyze and compare the verbal communication needs and communicative content experienced by mechanically ventilated patients, their family members, and ICU professionals. Semi-structured interviews were conducted, and narratives were examined using Bardin’s content analysis. The resulting categories were organized according to Maslow’s Hierarchy of Basic Needs adapted to the ICU context. A total of 41 interviews were analyzed (7 patients, 9 family members, and 25 professionals). The findings demonstrated that communicative content among mechanically ventilated patients is multidimensional, encompassing physiological symptoms as well as emotional expressions. Differences across patients’, relatives’, and professionals’ perspectives revealed heterogeneous communication priorities within the ICU setting.