Highlights
- •Most participants found telemedicine delivery mode of an ICU-RC acceptable.
- •Caregiver involvement depended on patient self-management and technical ability.
- •Recommendations included earlier, more frequent, and more customized visits.
- •Neuropsychological assessment must occur in private.
Abstract
Background
Intensive Care Unit Recovery Clinics (ICU-RCs) were founded to address post-intensive
care syndrome among ICU survivors. Telemedicine ICU-RCs may facilitate access for
more ICU survivors, however, patient and caregiver experiences with telemedicine ICU-RCs
have not been explored qualitatively.
Objective
To explore patient and informal caregiver experiences with a telemedicine ICU-RC.
Methods
Our qualitative exploratory cross-sectional study was guided by qualitative description
methodology. Telemedicine ICU-RC visits were conducted at 3- and 12-weeks post-discharge
following critical illness. Patients, and caregivers when available, met with an ICU
pharmacist, ICU physician, and a neuropsychologist via Zoom. Thereafter, we conducted
qualitative (1:1) telephone interviews with 14 patients and 12 caregivers recruited
purposefully. Data were analyzed using conventional content analysis.
Results
Five themes were identified: (1) general impressions of the intervention; (2) intervention
organization and delivery; (3) intervention substance; (4) caregiver participation;
and (5) ways to improve the intervention. Participants found the telemedicine delivery
acceptable, convenient, time-saving, and conducive to thorough discussions. Participants
appreciated the information, reassurance, and validation. Attention to mental health
during the visits was strongly endorsed. Caregiver involvement depended on patient
self-management and technical ability. Suggestions included scheduling a 1-week post-discharge
visit, more follow-up visits, and individualizing content for in-depth discussions,
including mental health evaluation.
Conclusions
The study results enhance the understanding of patient and caregiver experiences with
a telemedicine ICU-RC. Participants’ narratives helped to formulate recommendations
to improve telemedicine ICU-RC delivery and content. Acceptability of this intervention
indicates the potential for wider implementation of telemedicine ICU-RCs to reach
more ICU survivors.
Keywords
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Article info
Publication history
Published online: November 15, 2022
Accepted:
November 6,
2022
Received in revised form:
October 20,
2022
Received:
February 21,
2022
Identification
Copyright
© 2022 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.
