J Korean Crit Care Nurs.  2025 Feb;18(1):27-38. 10.34250/jkccn.2025.18.1.27.

A Qualitative Content Analysis of the Light Sedation Experiences of Patients in the Intensive Care Unit

• Kang J
• Jo YR

• KMID: 2565100
• DOI: http://doi.org/10.34250/jkccn.2025.18.1.27

Abstract

Purpose
: This study aimed to explore the essence and meaning of light sedation for patients in the intensive care unit (ICU).
Methods
: Individual in-depth interviews were conducted with 10 patients receiving light sedation therapy in the cardiac ICU of a university hospital in South Korea. The content of the interviews was analyzed using Elo and Kyngäs’s inductive content analysis method. Data collection and analysis were performed iteratively to enable a continuous comparative analysis.
Results
: The main category derived from the analysis was the “coexistence of partial consciousness and discomfort.” Three general categories were identified: (1) the state of being neither asleep nor awake, (2) persistent discomfort, and (3) ambivalence toward consciousness. The subcategories included a fragmented memory, disorientation, surreal experiences, brain fog, half-heard noises, physical discomfort, mental distress, preference for sleep, and preference for being awake.
Conclusion
: Patients in the ICU under light sedation experienced an incomplete state of consciousness while experiencing various types of discomfort. Nurses should understand the patients’ subjective experiences with light sedation to provide patient-centered care. Based on these findings, further research is required to develop and apply nursing interventions for patients under light sedation.

Keyword

Intensive care units, Patients, Qualitative research, Hypnotics and sedatives; 중환자실, 환자, 질적연구, 진정제