Frequently asked questions
How do you make decisions about patient care in ICU?
Our psychologists support the needs of patients and their families during an admission to ICU. They will help with assessing and managing a range of issues that can arise during admission. This can include acute distress, trauma, end of life and bereavement, cognitive difficulties, behavioural problems that impact on care or rehabilitation, amongst other areas.
Our aim to identify patients at risk of psychological distress post- discharge and signpost them to appropriate services.
My relative/friend is in ITU and I’m struggling; where can I go for help?
It is understandably an incredibly difficult time when one of your family is so unwell that they require intensive care. In the ICU, we feel that supporting you and your family is an important part of their care and we want to help in any way we can.
It might also be helpful to reach out for further support. Your GP may be a good place to start; for example, they might be able to support you in taking time off work or putting you touch with psychological support services or local support groups. Our chaplaincy and spiritual care team also offers a multi-faith non-denominational service of support, which many families and friends have found a great source of comfort.
These organisations are recommended by the NHS, and may also be useful sources of information and support:
- ICU steps – a charity and support group for ICU patients and their loved ones that provides a detailed guide to intensive care
- Intensive Care Society – a charity with a professional membership that provides information about intensive care for patients and their families
- healthtalk.org – an online forum that includes patient experiences of ICU stays
- HealthUnlocked – a social network for health where patients and families can connect with others going through similar experiences