Listening to heal: the value of nurse-led support groups in Post-ICU recovery
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.60108/ce.384Keywords:
Post-ICU syndrome, resilience, support groups, emotional recovery, psychological careAbstract
INTRODUCTION: Post-ICU Syndrome (PICS) affects patients after they are discharged from the Intensive Care Unit, causing physical, cognitive and emotional sequelae. The lack of emotional support and the difficulty in social reintegration have prompted the exploration of strategies such as support groups.
OBJECTIVE: This study seeks to understand the experiences of post-ICU patients and evaluate the usefulness of nursing-led support groups in their emotional and social recovery.
METHODOLOGY: A qualitative phenomenological approach based on focus groups was used. Sessions were held with post-critical patients, nurses, doctors and psychologists, where experiences, feelings and perceptions about the recovery process and the impact of the support groups were analysed.
RESULTS: Patients reported anxiety, depression, guilt, frustration and loss of identity after their stay in the ICU. Immobilisation, disorientation and lack of communication with family members were factors of discomfort. Support groups facilitated emotional validation, reduced isolation and identity reconstruction, promoting resilience and positive coping.
CONCLUSION: Post-ICU support groups are a key therapeutic tool in the psycho-emotional recovery of patients. Their integration into post-critical follow-up is recommended to improve quality of life and facilitate social reintegration. Further research into strategies that complement the comprehensive recovery of these patients is needed.
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