Both short and long term outcome of mechanically ventilated patients are dependent on the time spent on ventilator and on the intensive care unit. Health related quality of life of the survival of intensive care has been proved to be related with the physical and psychological effects of the intensive care itself. In our previous multicenter randomized trial we have demonstrated the effect of psychological support delivered at the time of intensive care.
Aim: The aim of this post hoc analysis is to demonstrate the effect of the psychological support given by an ICU staff psychologist providing continuous care by the same therapist.
Methods: 36 patients were included in the post hoc analysis, 17 in the control and 19 in the treatment group. The treatment group received daily psychological support based on positive suggestions delivered by the same therapist at least in 50% of the time. The control group received the same ICU care but without the involvement of the psychologist. There were no differences between the two groups in age, sex, SAPSII score and basic medical treatment.
Results: RESULTS showed a significant reduction in mechanical ventilation (3.6 days shorter, p < 0.014) and length of stay (4.2 days shorter, p < 0.022) of the treatment group compared to the control.
Conclusions: These results suggest the value of a psychologist working as a full member of the ICU team and providing supplementary psychological support of patients.