Many patients reported they prefer children not visit so they could protect or shield children from the crisis associated with the ICU environment. The researchers also identified critical illness as an important source of disruption and stress for family members, and suggested that an open and more flexible policy be adopted regardless. The researchers suggest further studies are necessary to determine collaborative ways nursing staff and caregivers could work with families and patients to create a less stressful environment for children's visitations. The study does point out nurses lack of time and role security often contribute to poor attitudes about children visiting adult patients. Positive interventions however may be adopted to help improve relationships and the experience children have in the ICU environment. This in turn may promote more holistic care.

Article 4 - "The meaning of caring to nurses: an investigation into the nature of caring work in an intensive care unit."

In this research article the author's aim is to generate knowledge regarding the discipline of nursing as an essential human need. The authors point out that little is known regarding the highly "technological intensive care unit environment." The aim of the researchers include exploring the meaning of caring to intensive care nurses and to determine if this meaning may alter nursing practice or provide insight into how caring experiences were related by nurses. The researchers developed a descriptive and qualitative study design using semi-structured interviews with 12 nurses selected through sampling.

The results of the study show that caring is a trait "synonymous with nursing." Further the researchers find that caring is vital to the role of an ICU nurse and typically involves feelings combined with professional skill, competence and nursing action. Holistic care is of utmost concern to ICU nurses according to the researchers and ensures that all patients' needs are met. The results of the study suggest that experience and caring are vital components of nursing in the ICU practices and reveal the humanistic capacity of nurses caring for critically ill patients.

Article 5 - "Technology - an actor in the ICU: a study in workplace research tradition."

In this research study the authors examine human machine interaction in the ICU to determine how technology challenges ICU staff' practice and how technology intervenes with...

The researchers hypothesize that interaction between nurse and technology are necessary to facilitate proper patient care in an ICU setting. The researchers conclude that technology is essential and often intervenes when labor is divided within the ICU unit. The study also shows that technology helps reformulate practice and challenges staffs knowledge and awareness of routine problems. The authors find that within an ICU work environment nurses need to utilize relevant supporting tools to help handle routine problems and suggest that technology be interwoven into the problem solving practices adopted in an ICU environment.
Conclusions and Recommendations

Adequate are is vital to the recovery of patients in the ICU. A number of factors can influence patient outcomes and their environment in the ICU setting. Among the factors that positively contribute to proper patient care in the ICU and the ICU setting include a caring and collaborative nursing staff, adequate attention to patient needs such as sound sleep and familial visitations.

Technological advances may also contribute to better care in the ICU environment. It is important that nursing staff understand what factors contribute to better patient care and a positive outcome within the ICU environment. Such attention will ultimately facilitate better patient's outcomes and reduce the amount of stress and anxiety associated with a stay in the ICU.