The impact of visits on vital signs of the patients in surgical intensive care unit: a pilot study

Abstract

Background: This research was conducted to analyze the impact of visiting patients in the intensive care unit on the vital signs of the patients. Methods: This descriptive study was conducted at the emergency surgical intensive care unit of a university hospital in Istanbul. The sample consisted of 43 patients aged 18 and above, who stayed at the unit for more than 24 hours. Data collection included the demographic features of the patients as well as the information and evaluation form including the vital signs of patients before, during and after visits. Data were measured before, during and after visits. Results: 39.5% (n=17) of the patients were female and 60.5% (n=26) were male. Values before and after visits, respectively, were as follows: Mean fever 36.7±0.81 and 36.8±.94; pulse 97.3±26.4 and 98.4±26.1; mean respiration 23.76±4.55 and 24.30±4.53; systolic pressure 113.4±25.86 and 120.4±21.15; and diastolic pressure 64.81±8 and 67.30±3. Conclusion: This study, carried out as a pilot study, found that visiting patients in intensive care units affects the patients; however, this effect does not cause a serious physiological change in the vital signs of the patient.