King’s ICU is significantly larger than average and, as a major trauma centre, sees a significant number of highly complex cases.
“Some of our most unwell patients spend weeks or even months in critical care while they recover from life-threatening conditions," says Dr Tom Best, Consultant in Critical Care at King’s.
“We know from feedback that a significant number of patients suffer from delirium as they drift in and out of consciousness, which can be very frightening and can delay recovery."
Paula Dale was admitted to King's College Hospital with Covid in April 2020. She was hospitalised for a total of 102 days, where 46 of those days were spent in ICU and 15 on a ventilator.
Research indicates that over half of all patients admitted to critical care will experience acute distress, which can lead to a long-term psychological impact.
"Prior to Covid, I had no psychological issues," said Paula.
"However, totally traumatised by the overwhelming experience, I reached out for help and I was diagnosed with PTSD.
Thanks to generous donations from King's College Hospital Charity supporters and a charitable grant from NHS Charities Together, the first King's Psychosocial team was formed. The team bring a breadth of expertise from their specialised field, enabling fully comprehensive pyschosocial support for ICU patients.
"Delirium, anxiety and loneliness are very common, and about 1 in 5 patients suffer from post-traumatic stress disorder," says Paula.
"Many patients and their families will also require broader social support as a result of hospitalisation, such as support with difficult decision-making or help with accommodation, benefits or emergency childcare."
"With support from King’s College Hospital Charity, the King's Psychosocial team is now working to proactively identify patients’ psycho-social needs and to provide in-hospital and follow-up care around mental health and social support need to patients, their families and carers," says Paula.
