What's in this special issue

Abstract

The intensive care unit (ICU) is a highly dynamic and unpredictable environment, and although the outcomes for surviving critical illness have improved dramatically, the impact of this environment and its therapies on both patients and families, and the staff working within it, can be profound. The psychosocial impact of an ICU admission is highly significant for patients, with evidence of persistent symptoms of stress. Similarly, this environment can also impact negatively on health care professionals. This edition of the journal includes several papers relating to this important topic. [Excerpt]