Patient and caregiver experiences with a telemedicine intensive care unit recovery clinic

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. (c) 2022 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

Automated summary

This study aimed to explore patient and informal caregiver experiences with a telemedicine ICU-RC. The study found that participants found the telemedicine delivery convenient, time-saving, and conducive to thorough discussions. Participants appreciated the information, reassurance, and validation provided by the ICU-RC. The study results help to improve the delivery and content of telemedicine ICU-RCs.