Stéphanie Gareau

Introduction: Intensive care units (ICUs) cater for the most critically ill patients. On discharge, these patients may be left with several incapacitating sequelae. This combination of physical, cognitive, and psychological symptoms is known as Post-Intensive Care Syndrome (PICS). Relatives may also suffer from a form of PICS (Post Intensive Care Syndrome – Family [PICS-F]). A diary could help reduce the mental health symptoms of PICS or PICS-F. This document, containing narrative information about the patient’s stay in the ICU, aims to fill in the gaps in the patient’s memory and to contextualize disturbing memories, which are thought to be at the root of psychological suffering. This preventive intervention remains underused or studied in Quebec (Canada).Objectives: This study aims to evaluate the acceptability of the ICU diary in 2 Quebec ICUs by patients discharged from the designated ICU, relatives, nurses, and members of the multidisciplinary team. A second objective will be to explore the recommendations of those stakeholders surrounding the modalities of the intervention.Methods: This mixed-methods study will take place on 2 ICUs in a tertiary hospital located in Quebec City. Semi-structured interviews will be conducted with 4 groups of 6 to 8 participants representing the stakeholders of the intervention. An acceptability questionnaire will be administered to participants.Discussion and Research Spin-offs: This study will guide the application of this intervention and advocates active participant involvement in the development of the tool.

Objective: The objective of this review is to review and map data from studies on the humanization of care in intensive care units based on a conceptual framework. Introduction: The critical context of adult patients in intensive care units directs the focus on clinical medical interventions, drawing attention away from the humanization of care. Rethinking intensive care is imperative and the humanization of care is an absolute priority. Literature on this topic is scattered under umbrella terms such as “patient-centered care” or specific terms referring to target interventions. A scoping review based on a conceptual framework will map the literature on humanization in intensive care units. Inclusion criteria: The review will consider studies on the humanization of care, or on one of the seven components of the conceptual framework (communication, visiting hours, patients’ and health care professionals’ well-being, family involvement and satisfaction, post–intensive care unit syndrome, and physical environment) focusing on adult patients in intensive care units. Studies on co-existing states or end-of-life care will be excluded. Methods: A search of Embase, PubMed, and CINAHL will be conducted to identify relevant studies in English or French on the humanization of care, holistic care, or person-centered care in an adult intensive-care environment. The time period covered will be January 1, 2010 to the present. An iterative team approach will be used to screen and select studies and extract data. Data will be charted according to study design, distribution in time, cultural context, concepts, use of theoretical models, and intervention. The results will be summarized and reported, identifying the implications for policy, practice, and research.