Philosophical knowledge is warranted for the successful implementation of person-centred care

Abstract

One potentially restrictive environment of person-centred care might be the intensive care unit (ICU) where RNs working in ICUs on a daily basis are caring for critically ill patients in a highly technological and stressful milieu. Nursing care for critically ill patients at the ICU is described as task-oriented and mainly based on the patient's medical needs. The purpose of this contemporary issue paper is to suggest that a photograph of the patient could be used as a tool to support RNs working in ICU in applying person-centred care and their understanding of the philosophical underpinnings for person-centred care. I additionally propose that philosophical understanding and knowledge among RNs working in ICU are an essential part of clinical practice if person-centred care implementations are to be sustainable.