Psychological care

Abstract

Care of the psychological health and wellbeing of patients is essential in the complex and multifactorial care of critically ill patients. Patients experience an ongoing compromise of their psychological health well beyond hospitalisation, with this psychological compromise also affecting their physical health. Aspects of psychological health most relevant in the care of the critically ill include the recognition and management of anxiety, delirium, sedation needs, pain and sleep. Although each of these concepts is reviewed sequentially through this chapter, in reality it is often difficult to separate the issues as they are often additive or synergistic. While it is important to ensure that assessment incorporates each of the individual concepts, management may often target multiple aspects concurrently.