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.
The long-term ramifications of critical illness are well documented and recognised among critical care staff but this understanding does not always spread beyond the ICU. We believe that patients should be provided with comprehensive information to help them in their psychological and physical recovery. Having been through the uncertainty and distress that can come with being critically ill, we know how important it is to have this information and the relief that can come from knowing what to expect or that what you're experiencing is normal for someone in your position.
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.
Thanks to the fundraising efforts of Catherine White, a former patient who faced her recovery with no information or follow-up after discharge, hospitals can request these booklets free of charge from our first print run, though we would ask that delivery costs are covered and donations would be gratefully received.
ICU staff who would like to use the booklet on their unit can do so by completing the online order form to give us your unit's details and let us know how many copies you estimate needing per year.
Recovery from critical illness is a long and difficult process but it shouldn't be made any harder than it has to be. The booklet "Intensive care - a guide for patients and relatives" is an inexpensive way of making that process a little easier.
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