Improving Outcomes After PICU Admission: A Pilot Study

• The number of feasibility criteria successfully met [ Time Frame: 3-6 months post discharge from PICU ] [ Designated as safety issue: No ]

  Feasibility success criteria have been defined a priori for the intervention and study design. There are six feasibility criteria related to the intervention, covering aspects of the timing of the intervention, compliance, and evaluation. There are also six feasibility criteria related to the study design, covering recruitment rate; participation rate; acceptability of procedures; attrition rate; and the time-scale of data collection.

  Dependent on the number of criteria successfully met, the following classification will be used:

  1. 0-2/6 criteria met - Stop; intervention and/or study design not feasible.
  2. 3-4/6 criteria met - Continue with modifications; feasible intervention and/or study design with modifications.
  3. 5/6 criteria met - Continue without modifications, but monitor closely; feasible intervention and/or study design with close monitoring.
  4. 6/6 criteria met - Continue without modifications; feasible intervention and/or study design as is.
  
  

• Impact of Events Scale (IES-8; child version) [ Time Frame: 3-6 months post discharge from PICU ] [ Designated as safety issue: No ]
  Validated measure of post-traumatic stress symptoms in the child.
  
  
• Strength and Difficulties Questionnaire (SDQ; parent rated) [ Time Frame: 3-6 months post discharge from PICU ] [ Designated as safety issue: No ]
  Validated measure of general psychiatric adjustment in the child
  
  
• Child Sleep Habits Questionnaire (CSHQ; parent rated) [ Time Frame: 3-6 months post discharge from PICU ] [ Designated as safety issue: No ]
  Validated measure of sleep disturbance in the child.
  
  
• Child Education Progress (teacher rated) [ Time Frame: 3-6 months post discharge from PICU ] [ Designated as safety issue: No ]
  Non-validated standardised questionnaire to assess educational progress in the child.
  
  
• Impact of Events Scale (IES) [ Time Frame: 3-6 months post discharge from PICU ] [ Designated as safety issue: No ]
  Validated measure of post-traumatic stress symptoms in the parent.
  
  
• Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale (HADS) [ Time Frame: 3-6 months post discharge from PICU ] [ Designated as safety issue: No ]
  Validated measure of anxiety and depression in the parent.
  
  
• Parental Stressor Scale: PICU (PSS:PICU) [ Time Frame: Baseline (at hospital discharge) ] [ Designated as safety issue: No ]
  Validated measure of level of parental stress experienced whilst child was admitted to PICU.
  
  

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.