Post-ICU Syndrome and the Importance of Humanization in Intensive Care

Abstract

Humanization in the ICU has become a central topic over the last decade. New research focuses on technologies such as virtual reality and music therapy, as well as on practices like family presence during and after ICU stays, open-door policies, and monitoring of both family members and healthcare personnel. Psychiatric disorders, including depression, post-traumatic stress, anxiety, and delirium, are prevalent in ICU survivors and contribute to post-ICU syndrome. This research aimed to determine the role of humanization in critical care, with a secondary objective of evaluating the impact of open-door policies on critically ill patients. Analyses, results tables, and conclusions are presented. Humanization encompasses improvements and new associated concepts such as end-of-life care, personalized ICU-VIP care, and virtual reality in the ICU. Flexibility is crucial to address all factors that affect long-term neuropsychiatric outcomes. Humanizing the intensive care unit improves communication and information flow, ultimately reducing delirium and neuropsychiatric symptoms. Keywords: Humanism; Humanities; Intensive Care; Neonatal Intensive Care; Telecare; Tele-Intensive Care.