Introduction: Intensive care units are specially organized wards where critically ill patients are treated, whose medical condition is constantly changing, which makes their needs different from day to day. Due to poor health, they are often unable to communicate and express their needs and desires. In these circumstances, ensuring the well-being of the critically ill is of great importance. Purpose: The purpose of this thesis is to present some factors that affect the well-being of critically ill patients in intensive care units with emphasis on the importance of proper communication, involvement of family and other important people in the health care process and listening to music. Methods of work: A descriptive method of work with a review of scientific and professional Slovenian and foreign literature was used for the preparation of the diploma work. We searched for articles with the help of keywords in Slovene and English language through the web portal of the digital library of the University of Ljubljana in the CINAHL and PubMed databases, with the help of Google scholar and through COBIB.SI. 16 units of literature were used for the content analysis to answer the research questions. Results: Altered communication and the absence of contact with loved ones of critically ill, represent discomfort, which can be alleviated at least in part through adapted communication and the planned involvement of family members. Research has shown that listening to music soothes the critically ill, while also improves sleep, which is an important factor in ensuring well-being. Discussion and conclusion: Understanding the importance of ensuring well-being is one of the basic elements of quality nursing care for critically ill patients in intensive care units. Due to the lack of research in this area, some examples of good practice are even more important. Nurses and other health professionals need to be properly educated to treat critically ill patients holistically, while also having a high level of empathy for critically ill and their family members. It would make sense to consider including well-being assessment in critically ill patients and planning preventive and supportive interventions in nursing protocols.
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