An Intensive Care Unit peer support group: Participants’ views on format, content and the impact on recovery journeys

Abstract

Background Peer support groups reduce psychological morbidity and increase social support for Intensive Care Unit (ICU) survivors. Group formats differ and research, although emerging, is limited. This study explores a continuously running ICU Expert by Experience group, which has a dual role of support and service-user consultative, from attendees’ perspectives. Methods A thematic analysis was conducted on interviews with current and past members of an ICU Expert by Experience group. 11 participants took part in online and telephone interviews. Three provided written responses. Final themes were created following a process of data validation with participants. Results Four main themes emerged: (1) Support in the difficult recovery journey (2) Relationships and shared experiences (3) Value of professional facilitation (4) Practical considerations. Conclusion Patients highlighted the help gained from the group as an integral part of their recovery journey. Results also identified practical implications for those considering setting up similar support groups.

Peer support in intensive care unit follow‐up: A qualitative evaluation

“…Studies conducted after the Covid‐19 pandemic found that ICU follow‐up may have greater success with recruitment through virtual models 31 . However, these findings were based on general follow‐up, and Clarke et al's 32 findings suggest that participants prefer meeting peers in person. Most studies have not addressed the issues of the content and setting of peer support meetings, and such meetings were structured differently depending on whether they were an integrated part of a rehabilitation programme 13,33,34 or café‐style informal drop‐in meetings with smaller groups of patients 16 .…”

“…16 However, one study evaluating the format, content and impact of a peer support group found that one specific model of peer support was unlikely to fit all, because support needs change throughout the recovery process. 32 In our study, the café meetings accommodated between 17 and 35 participants. Most participants expressed that listening to numerous perspectives increased their opportunities for identification because of the broad variation in nuances in the patients' and relatives' experiences.…”

“…Most studies have not addressed the issues of the content and setting of peer support meetings, and such meetings were structured differently depending on whether they were an integrated part of a rehabilitation programme 13,33,34 or café‐style informal drop‐in meetings with smaller groups of patients 16 . However, one study evaluating the format, content and impact of a peer support group found that one specific model of peer support was unlikely to fit all, because support needs change throughout the recovery process 32 …”

Recovery following discharge from intensive care: What do patients think is helpful and what services are missing?

“…This information could help other researchers and clinicians to devise services to implement these strategies. Several methods could be considered including patient led strategies, services directed by healthcare professionals [ 24 ], exercise and rehabilitation classes [ 33 ], patient manuals [ 34 ], digital health [ 35 ], ICU diaries [ 36 , 37 ], visiting ICU [ 34 ], support groups [ 38 ] or a combination of these.…”