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The following is a summary of “Exploring the effectiveness of eHealth interventions in treating Post Intensive Care Syndrome (PICS) outcomes: a systematic review,” published in the September 2024 issue of Critical Care by Lai et al. 

The lack of clarity in optimizing critical care rehabilitation to reduce Post Intensive Care Syndrome (PICS) due to factors like access to care and delayed treatment highlights the possible benefits of eHealth in enhancing access and providing consistent care.   

Researchers conducted a retrospective study to assess the efficacy of eHealth interventions on PICS outcomes.   

They studied reporting eHealth interventions targeting PICS outcomes, issued on Medline, CINAHL, PsycINFO, Embase, and Scopus from January 30, 2010, to February 12, 2024, 2 reviewers assessed study eligibility, with a 3rd reviewer discussing or resolving disagreements. The study quality and bias risk were assessed using the Mixed Method Appraisal Tool. In addition to identifying effective strategies, they aimed to refine the timeline of recovery considered and the effects or domains targeted by the interventions.   

The results showed 13 studies with study duration, eHealth intervention delivery format, and outcome measures with variations. No studies reported a theory of behavioral change, and only 1 study was co-produced with patients or carers, while most of the studies were in the early post-discharge phase (i.e., <3 months) and focused on feasibility primarily. The cognitive domain was the least targeted, and no intervention targeted all 3 domains. Interventions targeting the psychological domain indicated positive effects, but results were underpowered and preliminary. While all studies were feasible without assessing acceptability, the assessment of acceptability, usability, and perceived usefulness were the main facilitators, with the main barrier being sensitivity to mental health and cognitive issues.   

Investigators concluded that eHealth interventions demonstrated feasibility in early post-critical care rehabilitation. 

Source: ccforum.biomedcentral.com/articles/10.1186/s13054-024-05089-6