Welcome to ICUsteps - the support team for ex-ICU patients

ICUsteps is a support group set up by ex-patients and family members to help those who have been unfortunate enough to suffer a life threatening injury or illness, to come to terms with their experience and find support and re-assurance in the long recovery period. We know too how difficult it can be for carers and family members at such an uncertain time.

Critical Care Discharge Information; a focus group study of the patients' and relatives' perspective

Discharge from critical care can be a very stressful time and effective information, delivered in an appropriate way is needed to support continued recovery.

Suzanne Bench, a researcher with a background in critical care nursing, is undertaking a study aimed at the development of new information strategies, which can be used to support patients and their family members upon discharge from critical care back to a general ward.

Can you help?

If you're an adult (over 18years old) who has been a patient, or a close relative of a patient in an Intensive Care or a High Dependency unit within the last three years, you can help with this study.

If you're willing to share your experiences and views about the information required when someone is discharged from critical care back to a general ward, you can find out more information and/or to register your interest on this page.

Your views, based on your experiences, are vital to developing the most effective information for future critically ill patients and their families. The results of this study will help in the design of new information.

Life after ICU - a study of the patient's perspective

Kate Deacon, a researcher with a background in intensive care nursing, is now undertaking a study that aims to make sure the things that matter most to patients are identified and concentrated on. This research aims to get the perspective of the ex-ICU patient by asking the question - 'What do you think is important?'

If you're an adult who has been a patient in Intensive Care, you can help with this study. If you're willing to share your experiences and perspective about recovering from critical illness please visit the study site.

Read the full article

Intensive Care - A guide for patients and relatives

ICUsteps are pleased to announce the publication of ‘Intensive Care - A guide for patients and relatives’. This 32 page information booklet has been produced by ICUsteps in consultation with intensive care patients and professionals and with the support and endorsement of the Department of Health. The booklet has also been given the Plain English Campaign's 'Crystal Mark' for clarity.

Although some hospitals have developed information leaflets this information isn't universally available or provided with the depth of information that patients and relatives need. For this reason, ICUsteps has produced a booklet covering all the stages of critical illness, from admission through to rehabilitation.

Read the full article

We look forward to welcoming you.