ArticleBMC nursing2026
Traumatic memories and nursing experiences of ICU discharged patients: a systematic review and meta-synthesis of qualitative studies.
Article in BMC nursing, 2026. The graph could read no effect estimate from its abstract, so it casts no vote on the map. Not yet cited in PubMed.
What it found
Each row is one number read from the abstract, on the scale the paper reported it, with its interval. Left of the dashed line favours the treatment, right favours the comparator. Under each row is the sentence it came from. New to these charts? A ten-minute tutorial.
The abstract states no effect estimate the extractor could read, or names no intervention and outcome on the map, so this paper lights no cell and moves no belief. It is still indexed, cited and linked below.
The trial behind it
Trials whose registry record cites this paper, or whose number appears in the abstract. A trial that started after this paper was published is citing it as background, not reporting it.
Neither the registry nor the abstract names a trial number. If this is a trial report, that itself is worth knowing.
Who cites it
0 citing papers in PubMed.
No citing paper in PubMed yet.
Corrections and comments
PubMed lists nothing against this paper. Absence here is not a guarantee, only a check that was made.
Authors and funding
4 authors.
Funding
Abstract
objectiveThis study aims to systematically synthesise existing literature to explore the core themes related to trauma memory and care experiences among ICU-discharged patients, in order to identify key issues during their recovery process and highlight support needs from a nursing perspective.
methodsThis systematic review and meta-synthesis was conducted in accordance with the Joanna Briggs Institute (JBI) methodology for systematic reviews of qualitative evidence. We systematically searched PubMed, CINAHL, Embase, and Web of Science for relevant qualitative studies published up to April 2025. The reporting follows the ENTREQ (Enhancing Transparency in Reporting the Synthesis of Qualitative Research) statement. Methodological quality was assessed using the JBI Critical Appraisal Checklist for Qualitative Research, and thematic synthesis, guided by the approach of Thomas and Harden (2008), was used to integrate findings.
resultsA total of 10 high-quality qualitative studies were included. Three major themes and seven subthemes were identified: (1) Fragmented Traumatic Memories and Psychological Residue (e.g., Vague, Missing Memories and Cognitive Confusion; Fearful Hallucinations, Nightmares, and Trauma Re-experiencing); (2) Transitional Shock from Intensive Care to Regaining Autonomy (e.g., The Discrepancy of Transitioning from ICU; Uncertainty in Recovery and Lack of Support After Returning Home); (3) Chronic Reconstruction and Self-Healing of the Body and Mind (e.g., Functional Limitations and Disconnection from Daily Life; Emotional Fluctuations and Psychological Relapse; Emotional Conflict and Reconnection in Family Care). Many patients reported cognitive confusion, emotional fragility, and decreased social functioning, all of which significantly impacted their quality of life and identity restoration.
conclusionRecovery after ICU discharge extends beyond physiological stabilization, encompassing a continuous process of psychological and social reconstruction. Nursing care should shift from a survival-centred model to a life-centred approach, emphasizing continuity of care, discharge education, psychological support, and family involvement to facilitate a more holistic and humanistic recovery pathway.
Indexed as
Identifiers
What Socratic holds
Registered trials
Read under generation 80e0d062 · epoch 390. Bibliography from PubMed, PubMed Central and OpenAlex; grants from NIH RePORTER; trial links from ClinicalTrials.gov; estimates, votes and beliefs from the Socratic graph.