Dehumanization in Intensive Care Medicine

A key part of healthcare, in addition to technical knowledge, is emotional and spiritual support for the person, not just treating the disease. This holistic approach of "to care" rather than just "to cure" has become increasingly important. However, in emergency situations or when patients can't interact due to their condition or invasive medical devices, the lack of interaction can lead to dehumanization of care, particularly in critical areas.

In recent decades, patient care in intensive care units (ICUs) has achieved new clinical milestones, and placed greater emphasis on the quality of life during and after hospitalization, including family involvement in the care process. This shift is reflected in nursing care, which can become sterile, monotonous, and automatic when dealing with non-interactive patients. Critical care areas are characterized not only by the critical and unstable clinical conditions of patients and the complexity of the medical-nursing approach but also by the delicate and professional management of interpersonal relationships with patients and their actively involved families.

This important new book, written by practicing critical care medical professionals, looks at the issues around dehumanization of patients - defined as denying individuals their humanity, and treating them as objects for medical procedures, rather than as real people.

In contrast, humanizing the care process and practice requires intellectual and emotional flexibility, listening skills, and the ability to adapt and modify care and communication styles with patients and their families - in addition to professional competence.

Recommended for those studying, teaching and researching in medical and nursing schools; healthcare professionals, especially nurses and doctors working in critical care; and healthcare administrators.