Learning to Communicate: A Photovoice Study With Intensive Care Residents During Night Shifts in the Intensive Care Unit

Abstract

This study explored the learning experiences of intensive care residents in an intensive care unit (ICU) during night shifts and the development of communication skills in this community of practice. This action research qualitative study used the photovoice method in four workshops. A group of nine residents shared their learning experiences and collectively analyzed, built, and presented proposals to improve residents’ communication skills in the community of practice in which they become intensivists. Participatory thematic analysis was conducted. Students concluded that night shifts in the ICU offered a perfect situational learning environment for communication with one-on-one resident–teacher relationships, less administrative work, and more resident responsibility, improving intensivist identity. Role models, reflective thinking, and teamwork are essential for fostering communication skills among intensivist community members and are all trainable. The results and student suggestions were presented to teachers and decision-makers in the clinic. These photovoice strategies developed students’ abilities to share their critical views and suggestions with decision-makers for subsequent implementation, enhancing their confidence in their learning process, strengthening trust-based relationships with teachers, and improving future intensivists’ practice communities.