Improving the intensive care experience from the perspectives of different stakeholders

• Published in: Critical care (London, England) Vol. 26; no. 1; pp. 1 - 218
• Main Authors: Latour, Jos M, Kentish-Barnes, Nancy, Jacques, Theresa, Wysocki, Marc, Azoulay, Elie, Metaxa, Victoria
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: London BioMed Central Ltd 18-07-2022; BioMed Central; BMC
• Subjects: Anesthesia; Anxiety; Conferences; Coronaviruses; COVID-19; Critical care; Decision making; Emotions; Empathy; Evaluation; Experiences; Family; Healthcare professionals; Intensive care; Intensive care unit; Medical care; Meeting Report; Mental depression; Palliative treatment; Pandemics; Patients; Perceptions; Post traumatic stress disorder; Qualitative research; Quality management; Questionnaires; Sleep; Verbal communication; Australia
• ISSN: 1364-8535; 1364-8535; 1366-609X; 1466-609X
• DOI: 10.1186/s13054-022-04094-x

Abstract
The intensive care unit (ICU) is a complex environment where patients, family members and healthcare professionals have their own personal experiences. Improving ICU experiences necessitates the involvement of all stakeholders. This holistic approach will invariably improve the care of ICU survivors, increase family satisfaction and staff wellbeing, and contribute to dignified end-of-life care. Inclusive and transparent participation of the industry can be a significant addition to develop tools and strategies for delivering this holistic care. We present a report, which follows a round table on ICU experience at the annual congress of the European Society of Intensive Care Medicine. The aim is to discuss the current evidence on patient, family and healthcare professional experience in ICU is provided, together with the panel’s suggestions on potential improvements. Combined with industry, the perspectives of all stakeholders suggest that ongoing improvement of ICU experience is warranted.