Implementation of a Patient and Family-Centered Intensive Care Unit Peer Support Program at a Veterans Affairs Hospital.

ABSTRACT: Peer support is a novel strategy to mitigate postintensive care syndrome and postintensive care syndrome-family. This project implemented a peer support program to address postintensive care syndrome for patients and family members. Using a free-flow, unstructured format, a chaplain, social worker, nurse, and intensive care unit survivor led veterans and loved ones in discussion of intensive care unit experiences, fears, and the challenges of recovery. Evaluations indicated group participation is beneficial for emotional support, coping, and understanding common situations related to prolonged intensive care unit stay. A majority reported they would strongly recommend group participation to a friend.

SUBMITTER: Boehm LM 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC7393793 | biostudies-literature | 2020 Jun

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature