The utilisation of van Manen’s (1990) method provided this study with a structure
needed to analyse the data in depth and identify the important elements and relationships
critical to the phenomenon of choice as perceived by the participants in this research. The
exploration of the meaning of the ICU experience as perceived by patients, their family
members, and the nurses during critical illness enhanced the existing body of nursing
knowledge that may improve the care of the critically ill, thus contributing to good patient
outcomes.