After intensive care--what then?

The total dependence that, from necessity, must be the lot of an intensive care patient can lead to a state of learned helplessness as they recover. In addition, the physical frailty of these patients further confounds their first attempts at independence. It is at this stage that patients need clear information about the road ahead and in a form that they can refer back to as needed when they are discharged to the general wards and then home. As many intensive care patients have little or no memory of the intensive care unit (ICU) afterwards and only gradually come to understand how ill they have been, the provision of an information booklet on discharge to the general wards seemed likely to be the most sensible approach. The booklet addresses topics such as transfer to the wards and possible problems patient might face during their convalescence. In addition common sense advice is offered to help patients regain their independence and control of their own health. The information is presented in a clear concise way and the booklet is liberally illustrated with cartoons. Relatives are encouraged to read the booklet as well and provisional results have shown it to be well received by both patients and relatives.