Nurses help in ICU stress-reduction

Stress in Intensive Care Units (ICU) can leave patients suffering from depression, anxiety and post traumatic stress disorder. They may thus be at risk of developing subsequent mental psychological problems or refusing further treatment. A UK trial, launched by Dorothy Wade, psychologist and specialist in intensive care at University College London Hospital, will measure how simple nursing techniques may reduce stress and offer support to patients who are most affected.

This POPPI trial (1) will use various psychological techniques to reduce patients’ stress. These include using a soft, low tone of voice and non-threatening body language, making eye contact, listening carefully and allowing time for them to talk. Ventilation apparatus or sedatives may impede communication ; the use of communication charts or tablet computers is thus advised. Patients also need to be reassured if sedatives cause hallucinations.

Once they are well enough, a questionnaire will be handed over to patients to help staff determine those in need of further support. Nurses trained in a type of cognitive behaviour therapy will offer them three stress support sessions, where they will be able to express their fears about their experience in ICU. Staff will also help them to think about events in a different way, for example, to see the doctor’s visit as routine and helpful and not synonymous of bad news. They will also train patients in breathing and meditation techniques and offer videos with stories of ICU trauma survivors.

Nursing Standard, vol. 28 no. 32, april 2014, p. 20-21.