The psychologist in intensive care and the High-Dependency Unit (USC): support during and after the experience

An admission to intensive care or the High-Dependency Unit (USC) is often a sudden and unexpected experience. A psychologist can provide a space where this experience can be heard, without judgement and at the person’s own pace. My role with patients: as a clinical psychologist working in intensive care and the USC, I support patients when their medical situation also affects their psychological wellbeing. My work includes: listening to patients and what they experienced during their hospital stay; identifying psychological distress and how it manifests itself; helping patients put into words the emotions, fears and upheavals associated with illness and hospitalisation; supporting their ability to adapt and draw on their personal resources; accompanying periods of great uncertainty, loss of control or sudden changes in everyday life; supporting patients as they gradually regain their bearings and their place in family, social and professional life; and, where necessary, referring them for appropriate psychological or psychiatric follow-up after hospitalisation.
The aim is to provide a space where the experience can be worked through so that it can gradually find its place within the person’s life story.
Supporting family and friends: intensive care also affects those close to the patient. Being suddenly confronted with the seriousness of a loved one’s condition can cause intense anxiety, helplessness, guilt, fear or disruption to family life. Family and friends may also need a space to understand what they have been through, express what they were unable to say at the time and find resources to support the return home.
Psychological support can therefore also be offered to family and friends, whether adults, adolescents or children, when appropriate.

After discharge from intensive care or the USC:
Returning home does not necessarily mean that the psychological impact of the experience is over. Support can be offered after hospitalisation to the patient or their family and friends, with no specific time limit after discharge. The medical emergency, the seriousness of the condition, temporary loss of bearings, dependence on others, fear of dying or losing a loved one can leave a significant mark. Anxiety, difficult images or memories, a sense of unreality, sleep problems, fear of becoming ill again, severe psychological fatigue, or simply a need to understand and put into words what happened may persist.
Depending on individual needs, 1 to 3 appointments can be offered after hospitalisation.
These appointments aim to assess the situation, provide time to listen and help the patient or those close to them regain a sense of stability and support. If longer-term care is needed, a referral to an appropriate professional or service can be arranged.

Working in partnership with the teams:
The psychologist works closely with doctors, the nurse manager, nurses, healthcare assistants, physiotherapists and the other professionals involved in the patient’s care. This collaboration helps us consider the whole person: their medical condition, psychological experience, personal history, relationships and environment. The psychologist brings a specific clinical perspective on the psychological dimension of illness, hospitalisation and their consequences. This work respects professional confidentiality, privacy and the individuality of each person.

When should you request an appointment?
There is no need to wait until distress becomes severe. A request can be made whenever a patient or someone close to them simply feels the need to talk, understand what is happening to them, or take stock after an admission to intensive care or the USC.

Patients and family members can contact the team, or the psychologist directly on:
02 97 01 47 72 / (Answering machine – please leave a message with your contact details so that you can be called back.)

Marielle Le Floc’h