NYMC Faculty Publications

Picturing Empathy in the Intensive Care Unit: Patient Photographs at an Urban Community Teaching Hospital

Author Type(s)

Resident/Fellow, Faculty

DOI

10.4037/ajcc2024637

Journal Title

American Journal of Critical Care

First Page

455

Last Page

461

Document Type

Article

Publication Date

11-1-2024

Department

Medicine

Disciplines

Medicine and Health Sciences

Abstract

Background Intensive care unit (ICU) clinicians are at risk for burnout, which can be driven by depersonalization. Photographs of patients in their baseline state of health before ICU admission may enhance the connection between clinicians and patients. The use of patient photographs has not been evaluated in an urban community teaching hospital. Objective To evaluate whether an interprofessional group of clinicians perceive that patient photographs in the ICU help them connect with patients and enhance empathy. Methods A prospective observational quality improvement study was performed in the medical ICU of an urban community teaching hospital. Patients’ families could display patients’ photographs in the unit. Registered nurses, physicians, respiratory therapists, and patient care associates completed anonymous surveys. Results Families of 21 patients provided photographs; 82 clinicians (47 physicians, 25 nurses, 5 respiratory therapists, and 5 patient care associates) completed surveys. Most clinicians (83%) agreed that the patient’s personality and character were emphasized by photo-graphs, 77% agreed that photographs facilitated communication with the patient and/or family, 89% agreed that patient photographs helped them relate to the patient as an individual, and 76% were not upset by comparing the photograph with the patient. Responses did not significantly differ by clinician type. Survey comments high-lighted themes of humanization, fulfillment, and hope. Conclusion Patient photographs may enhance connections between clinicians and patients in the ICU, potentially reducing depersonalization and burnout.

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