`Last night, porters took me to the basement with a supermarket cart. I met hooded monks who stole my soul and turned me into a zombie. I woke up
`I overheard the nurses whispering behind the curtain that they were going to kill me and my baby. I saw one person pull a gun from his bag.`
`A wild animal ran madly through the hospital market, attacking people until it was shot down.`
Those are the scary and strange experiences that Dr. Dorothy Wade, a psychologist in the intensive care unit (ICU) at University College London hospital, shares with her patients every day.
According to a 2008 study published in the US National Library of Medicine, 80% of patients in the ICU have delirium.
Scary memories become part of post-ICU syndrome (PICS).
Up to 50% of patients develop severe anxiety, depression or stress disorders after their stay in the ICU, according to a 2018 study published in the international medical journal Critical Care.
The psychological problems of post-ICU Covid-19 patients are no less serious than those of other critical illnesses.
Covid-19 makes the situation of patients in the ICU much scarier.
It’s too early to know the long-term psychological impact of Covid-19 patients post-ICU treatment, but a 2020 study published in the US National Library of Medicine found that about 28% of those who went through the ICU suffered from disorders.
Still, thousands of others recovered well.
One of Dr. Wade’s patients talked about the joy of exploring art, the excitement of decorating her apartment herself, and turning old clothes into new ones.
Journalist David Aaronovitch is one of the patients supporting Dr. Wade’s team to improve psychological care in the ICU.
Intensive care units are trying to solve this problem.
Up to now, the UK has about 80 psychological consultants.
After doctors complete their tasks, the rehabilitation team helps patients continue living the life they want.
About half of hospitals with ICUs have organized clinics for patients to come in for check-ups.
Intensive care unit at St George’s Hospital in Tooting, south London.
Despite advances, in the UK, up to 50% of hospitals still do not have post-ICU patient care services.
According to Dr. Wade, during an online meeting, many people said they were having a difficult time.
Shared stories help people understand and encourage each other.