University of Pittsburgh and University of Pittsburgh Medical Centre (UPMC) researchers have developed a new education tool to improve understanding of Post-Intensive Care Syndrome (PICS-p) among family and caregivers of children following discharge from the intensive care unit (ICU).
Description
When critically ill children are discharged from intensive care to home, the level of information provided to caregivers can be overwhelming. Up to 70% of children who have been seriously ill in hospital and treated in the ICU can develop new cognitive, physical, or mental health impairments (PICS-p) after discharge. Using multi-modal media to deliver information, this approach will arm caregivers and other support workers with easily accessible knowledge, empower them to support the recovery of the child at home, spot the early signs of PICS-p, and lead to early assessment of the child’s needs to improve outcomes
Applications
• Education for caregivers and primary care physicians
• Education for family and community
Advantages
Many caregivers report the current verbal and written education they receive falls short of their needs. Research suggests multi-modal approaches are most effective. Low health literacy in the USA can worsen outcomes and increase expenses for patients, exacerbating health inequity and hindering recovery. Additionally, many primary care providers lack detailed knowledge of PICS-p and are ill-equipped or unable to provide support in community settings.
This novel education tool provides accessible information for caregivers in the form of short animations or narrated videos and online resources, all in one easy-to-use digital library. Support to improve health literacy will also be provided. The information can be delivered directly to the caregiver’s email ensuring easy access to information, reducing inequity, and empowering caregivers to support the recovering child and the family.
Invention Readiness
Work is ongoing to develop short educational videos and an online digital library. Topics include physical and cognitive health, timely assessments for PICS-p, and family support, reducing the need for caregivers to actively seek information when already emotionally and cognitively overwhelmed. The resource will be accessible to all caregivers, with education and handouts to share with teachers, primary care physicians or others involved in the child’s care. Novel software will be developed to provide a content suite of videos, infographics, and resource checklists, and input from families already supported by the Critical Illness Recovery for Children program at UPMC will help optimize and validate these tools to ensure they meet their educational needs.
IP Status
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