Utility of an ICU peer support group for ICU survivors and caregivers post-discharge from a quaternary hospital (ICU Peer Support Study)

Objectives: This study aims to explore ICU survivors' and caregivers' (i.e., consumers') perspectives on the utility of an ICU peer support groups (PSG). Methods: A qualitative study using focus group discussions (FGDs) of former patients (i.e., Survivors) and caregivers (i.e., adult mixed medical-surgical intensive care unit (ICU) in a quaternary referral centre in Adelaide, South Australia. Purposive sampling was conducted to identify participants. The semi-structured guide was utilised to facilitate discussion with group members. Four focus group discussions were conducted with former ICU patients (i.e., survivors) and caregivers. Thematic analysis identified themes and subthemes that informed us about the utility of the ICU peer support group and identified system-level areas for improvement. ICU survivors and their caregivers were recruited via the hospital-run ICU peer support group. Results: Thirteen survivors (five females, mean age 56, and nine caregivers (seven females, mean age 39 (SD 33.6)) consented to participate in the focus group discussions. The study identified six themes relevant to the utility of the peer support group: (1) Dealing with the impact of ICU, (2) Information on peer support groups and post-intensive care syndrome whilst in ICU, (3) Information provided during peer support group meetings (4) Leadership (5) Managing challenging situations and expectations of caregivers and (6) Opportunities for organisational improvement. Conclusion: ICU survivors and their caregivers value the ICU peer support model of care and can identify unit and system-level improvement opportunities to meet consumers' unmet needs. Practice implications: ICU survivors and their caregivers' perspectives and viewpoints regarding this ICU peer support group identifies themes on the utility of peer support and survivorship. This is beneficial in further defining a peer support program and offering a platform for structuring and operationalising ICUs by partnering with consumers.