Perspectives of Non-Speaking ICU Patients and their Families on Goals-of-Care and End-of-Life Discussions

Abstract

Objectives: The objective of this study was to explore how patients and their caregivers perceived their communication during goals-of-care/end-of-life discussions and decision-making in the intensive care unit (ICU). The patient participants were temporarily non-speaking due to their medical treatment and used augmentative and alternative communication (AAC) during their stay in the ICU. Results from patient participants were garnered when they reported their experience retrospectively. The long-term goal was to support strategies and assist in the development of AAC tools for patient participation during goals-of-care and end-of-life conversations.

Cultural adaptation in Quebec of the COMHON index: a tool for assessing the risk of pressure injury in critically ill patients

CJCCN Volume 37, Number 1, 2026

Call for Peer Reviewers: External

The Canadian Journal of Critical Care Nursing (CJCCN) is looking to add to our external Peer Review list.  
 

CJCCN Aim and Scope

• The Canadian Journal of Critical Care Nursing (CJCCN) is an open access scientific, peer reviewed journal.
• The aim of the Canadian Journal of Critical Care Nursing (CJCCN) is to publish innovative and current research as well as recent clinical evidence related to critical care and critical care nursing.

Properties of moral distress experienced by Canadian intensive care unit nurses during the COVID-19 pandemic: An interpretive descriptive study

Abstract

Background & Purpose: In response to the multitude of ethical issues that arise in the delivery of care provided in intensive care units (ICUs), nurses working in this setting frequently experience moral distress. The properties of moral distress have been well defined. However, within the context of the coronavirus-disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic, less is known about the properties of moral distress experienced by ICU nurses. This subsequently affects the advancement of our knowledge,

CJCCN Volume 35, Number 1, Spring/Summer 2024

Coping Strategies Used by Registered Nurses in Acute and Critical Care Settings: A scoping review protocol

Abstract

Background & Purpose: Acute and Critical Care (ACC) settings are a highly demanding and specific environment for registered nurses (RNs) to provide care in, and the use of coping strategies is key to supporting their work-related well-being. However, currently, there is a lack of comprehensive evidence on how RNs in ACC settings, specifically, cope with work-related stressors. Therefore, this review will summarize the international literature on coping strategies RNs use in ACC settings to deal with work-related stressors.

Identifying Opportunities for Antimicrobial Stewardship in a Tertiary Intensive Care Unit: A Qualitative Study

Abstract

Background: Antimicrobial stewardship (AMS) encompasses numerous interventions that seek to improve antimicrobial usage, as inappropriate use of antimicrobials may result in the promotion of antimicrobial resistance, patient harm, and increased costs. AMS is of particular interest in intensive care units (ICUs) where antimicrobial use is extensive. Few qualitative studies have sought to identify the perceived attitudes and beliefs of intensive care clinicians around AMS.

Objectives: To understand ICU nursing and physician priorities and preferences around AMS and possible AMS interventions for implementation in the ICU.

“We were treading water.” Experiences of healthcare providers in Canadian ICUs during COVID-19 visitor restrictions: A qualitative descriptive study.

ABSTRACT

Purpose: To explore and describe the impact of COVID-19 restrictive visitation policies on healthcare providers (HCPs) and to identify ongoing challenges and pragmatic solutions that could inform recommendations for patient and family-centered care (PFCC) in the ICU during pandemic conditions. 

Methods: We conducted a qualitative descriptive study within a constructivist paradigm. We used two sources of data collected simultaneously: semi-structured interviews conducted remotely via video or phone and written comments gathered through open-ended response boxes in a questionnaire to explore the perspectives of HCPs working in Canadian ICUs during visitor restrictions resulting from the first wave of COVID-19.