Optimising the ICU environment to aid recovery
Did you know… Up to 75% of ICU patients will experience cognitive problems (including delirium) or mental trauma during or after their admission.
Sometimes this is short term, however for many, the side effects of ICU admission continue for years after discharge, and rates of PTSD can be as high those seen among Veterans.
This significantly impacts on the QUALITY of a patient’s life after ICU discharge. Some of these problems are permanent, and many patients are unable to return to their previous work or general function. Even though the patients may only be admitted for a few days, many experience the mental side effects of ICU for years after going home. They survived their critical illness, but the quality of survival is not always as great.
These problems also affect the friends and families of ICU patients:
50% of families make major adjustments to living circumstances such as moving home, delaying education or losing their savings to support their loved one.
Up to 75% of family members can have symptoms of anxiety, 50% have PTSD symptoms, and up to 30% wind up taking medication for depression or anxiety.
The ICU of the Future project, supported by The Common Good and being delivered by the Critical Care Research Group at The Prince Charles Hospital is investigating how the ICU environment contributes to these problems and will aim to eliminate many of the factors that can contribute to a patient experiencing mental distress, including constant noise and alarms, lack of natural light, and social isolation, to optimise recovery so patients can THRIVE not just survive.
ABOVE: Artists impressions of the ICU of the Future - reducing mental distress for better patient outcomes… long after discharge from ICU.
Supported by The Common Good, The Critical Care Research Group is currently building a prototype showcase at The Prince Charles Hospital to try and understand and how to reduce the many factors that can contribute to mental distress in ICUs. Built on a foundation of multidisciplinary collaboration, the project has been running for more than 4 years engaging staff from right across the Metro North Health and Hospital Service.
Enquires about the project can be directed to Project Manager Oystein Tronstad via email tpch-ccrg@health.org.au.
Below Former Rugby League player Gavin Allen speaks about his ICU experience.