HumanITA-ICUs: humanizing Italian intensive care units. A survey study protocol

Introduction: in recent years, humanizing care in Intensive Care Units (ICSs) has become a focal point of research worldwide. Key determinants for improving ICU experiences include patient-centred factors (sleep, pain, PTSD prevention), family involvement (visitation policies, communication), and healthcare professional well-being (training, emotional support). This study aims to study the organizational and behavioral characteristics related to humanization and comfort in Italian ICUs.

Materials and Methods: a national cross-sectional survey, based on a specific framework, will be conducted from December 2024 to June 2025, involving ICUs’ head nurses across Italy.

Results: the study will provide a detailed overview of organizational and behavioral practices in Italian ICUs, identifying regional and structural variations, highlighting limitations, and outlining future projects to improve clinical, behavioral, and organizational practices.

Conclusions: the national analysis of organizational and behavioral aspects related to humanization in Italian ICUs will focus on the experiences of patients, families, and healthcare professionals. These findings will help to identify best practices and areas requiring improvement, supporting training and organizational interventions to foster a new approach to intensive care.