Other Titles
Symposium: ICU diary: Supporting the intensive care patients transition from the ICU
Abstract
Session presented on Saturday, July 26, 2014:
Purpose: Delusional memories from the period of critical illness have been shown to be a major contributor to the later occurrence of post traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). The experience of watching the patient being critically ill is also traumatic to families, making them at risk of PTSD. It was hypothesised that an ICU diary could help patients and their families come to terms with their differing memories and so reduce the incidence of PTSD.
Methods: A prospective randomised, controlled study was performed in 12 ICUs across 6 European countries. 1 week after ICU discharge the ICU Memory Tool was used to identify recall for delusional memories. 1 month post ICU discharge PTSD related symptoms was assessed using the PTSS-14 and the patients were randomised to receive their diary at this point or after the next interview 3 months post ICU discharge. At 3 months a diagnosis of PTSD was made using the PDS. After the final interview, the control patients also received their diaries. In 2 of the study ICUs relatives were asked to complete the PTSS-14 at 1 month and 3 months post ICU discharge.
Results: 352 patients were randomised, 322 (91.5%) completing the 3 month follow-up. 11 patients with undiagnosed, pre-existing PTSD were excluded from the final analysis. The incidence of new PTSD in the intervention group was 5% (8/154), and 13.4% (21/157) in the control group; this was statistically significant (p = 0.013). 30 relatives (15 in the intervention group and 15 in the control group) completed questionnaires at 1 and 3 months. Relatives in the intervention group had reduced PTSD symptom (P = .03).
Conclusion: This randomised, controlled trial confirms that an ICU Diary helps patients come to terms with critical illness and reduces PTSD incidence. In addition the diary helps reduce symptoms of PTSD in relatives.
Sigma Membership
Non-member
Type
Presentation
Format Type
Text-based Document
Study Design/Type
N/A
Research Approach
N/A
Keywords:
Anxiety, ICU Diary, PostTraumatic Stress Disorder
Recommended Citation
Jones, Christina, "ICU diaries reduce post traumatic stress disorder after critical illness in patients and family members" (2014). INRC (Congress). 152.
https://www.sigmarepository.org/inrc/2014/presentations_2014/152
Conference Name
25th International Nursing Research Congress
Conference Host
Sigma Theta Tau International
Conference Location
Hong Kong
Conference Year
2014
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Review Type
Abstract Review Only: Reviewed by Event Host
Acquisition
Proxy-submission
ICU diaries reduce post traumatic stress disorder after critical illness in patients and family members
Hong Kong
Session presented on Saturday, July 26, 2014:
Purpose: Delusional memories from the period of critical illness have been shown to be a major contributor to the later occurrence of post traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). The experience of watching the patient being critically ill is also traumatic to families, making them at risk of PTSD. It was hypothesised that an ICU diary could help patients and their families come to terms with their differing memories and so reduce the incidence of PTSD.
Methods: A prospective randomised, controlled study was performed in 12 ICUs across 6 European countries. 1 week after ICU discharge the ICU Memory Tool was used to identify recall for delusional memories. 1 month post ICU discharge PTSD related symptoms was assessed using the PTSS-14 and the patients were randomised to receive their diary at this point or after the next interview 3 months post ICU discharge. At 3 months a diagnosis of PTSD was made using the PDS. After the final interview, the control patients also received their diaries. In 2 of the study ICUs relatives were asked to complete the PTSS-14 at 1 month and 3 months post ICU discharge.
Results: 352 patients were randomised, 322 (91.5%) completing the 3 month follow-up. 11 patients with undiagnosed, pre-existing PTSD were excluded from the final analysis. The incidence of new PTSD in the intervention group was 5% (8/154), and 13.4% (21/157) in the control group; this was statistically significant (p = 0.013). 30 relatives (15 in the intervention group and 15 in the control group) completed questionnaires at 1 and 3 months. Relatives in the intervention group had reduced PTSD symptom (P = .03).
Conclusion: This randomised, controlled trial confirms that an ICU Diary helps patients come to terms with critical illness and reduces PTSD incidence. In addition the diary helps reduce symptoms of PTSD in relatives.