Management of Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) in Patients’ Relatives and Intensive Care Personnel in a Teaching Hospital

Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) is a condition triggered by the experience of traumatic events and it can lead to long-term difficulties for patients and relatives in regards with their quality of life. There is growing body of evidence regarding the prevalence of PTSD amongst intensive care personnel. We set out to investigate whether there is a need for psychological support for both critically ill patients’ relatives and the intensive care unit (ICU) personnel. Method: A prospective two-stage survey was conducted in the ICU of a teaching hospital in the United Kingdom. Two predefined questionnaires composed of closed and open questions focusing on emotional needs and individual views of psychological support were distributed to Group 1 formed by families members (Group 1A) and ICU personnel (Group 1B) in the survey Supporting Families Emotional Needs, and to Group 2 composed by ICU personnel in the survey Supporting Staff Emotional Needs. Results: There were 77 questionnaires completed. In Group 1 there were 41 questionnaires completed on the “Supporting Families Emotional Needs� survey (16 by Group 1A and 25 by Group 1B members) and in Group 2 there were 36 questionnaires completed on the “Supporting Staff Emotional Needs� survey. Both surveys highlighted the need for a psychological support service. The design of this type of service was also investigated and was formed by opinions of the participants. Conclusion: There is a need for additional emotion support within the ICU. Yet further work is needed to identify strategies in order to provide this support.