During his three weeks in critical care, DH experienced delirium, including trying to pull out his IV lines, putting himself at risk of serious bleeding, and shouting and crying out, especially at night. He was referred to the psychosocial team for help with his distress and ongoing delirium.
When the team assessed him, ongoing fatigue was an issue and DH told them about his poor sleep due to nightmares and flashbacks from the war zone and the accident. There was a real concern from the team and his family about his psychological wellbeing.
To help improve his sleep as much as possible, the team helped DH practice grounding techniques to minimise the impact of his flashbacks and nightmares, enabling him to go back to sleep more quickly. They wrote up the techniques he found most helpful, leaving prompts by his bedside. They also engaged with nursing staff, so those looking after him at night could practise the identified techniques with him as needed.
DH is self-employed, so, to reduce anxiety around the financial impact of the hospital admission, the team supported him to speak to his landlord and make a benefits application. When he was ready to be stepped down to a different hospital team, staff shared, with his consent, their insight to help minimise the risks of triggering his PTSD.
Once DH had been discharged home, it became clear that he had suffered a further trauma because of his serious illness and the delirium he experienced during his admission to critical care. He has now started a course of one-to-one therapy, with a focus on trauma and adjustment.
DH is continuing to receive ongoing support. His nightmares have decreased in frequency and intensity, and, thanks to the efforts of the psychosocial team, he reports having flashbacks less frequently – they are now weekly, as opposed to at least daily when the team first began working with him.