Transition to a newly constructed single patient room adult intensive care unit - Clinicians' preparation and work experience.

PURPOSE: To describe how clinicians were prepared for the transition to a novel single patient room (SPR) intensive care unit (ICU) and their work experience during this transition.

MATERIALS AND METHODS: In this qualitative descriptive study, four focus groups were conducted six months post-move with a multidisciplinary group of 29 clinicians at a hospital in Montreal, Canada. The interview guide was derived from a readiness for change conceptual framework. Audio recordings were transcribed verbatim and analyzed via thematic analysis.

RESULTS: Clinicians described preparation strategies such as educational resources, managerial support and personal initiatives, with some variation across professions. Clinicians felt ready for the transition especially in their adaptation to the new physical environment, yet some challenges related to teamwork dynamics and bedside care persisted after the transition.

CONCLUSIONS: The use of preparation strategies that are tailored to clinicians' roles helped build readiness for transition to a novel SPR ICU and facilitated the adaptation process. Challenges related to teamwork dynamics and practices in an isolating environment persisted beyond the adaptation period and must be addressed and overcome to better meet the needs and expectations of ICU clinicians.