Improving Outcomes After PICU Admission: A Pilot Study

A Psycho-educational Intervention to Improve Family Mental Health and Child Educational Outcomes Following Admission to PICU: A Pilot Study

1. Evaluate the feasibility and acceptability of an information based intervention delivered to parents following their child's admission to paediatric intensive care;
2. Evaluate the feasibility and acceptability of the study design and procedures;
3. Explore the effects of the intervention on parent and child psychological outcomes 3-6 months post discharge from PICU;
4. Explore the effects of parental stress experienced during PICU admission on the effectiveness of the intervention;
5. To provide data that, combined with results from other studies, could inform the sample size for a future multi-site RCT.

Most children are now expected to make a complete medical recovery following admission to PICU. However, research suggests that some children will go on to develop psychological difficulties, such as problems with emotions, behaviour, and learning. In addition, parents themselves may suffer with emotional difficulties. Although the follow-up of survivors is recommended, there are currently no specific guidelines in place. Intervention in the early stages of recovery could help families pull through without long lasting after-effects.

Inclusion Criteria:

• Unplanned emergency admissions to PICU for at least 12 hours
• Parent or primary carer speaks and can read English

Exclusion Criteria:

• Child dies whilst on ward
• Child discharged with a terminal illness
• Child has had multiple PICU admission in the past
• Staff feel it is inappropriate to approach family
• Family live overseas