Keywords

Post-Intensive Care Syndrome, Critical Care, ICU, Diary, PICS, Journal

Abstract

Background: The growing recognition of Post-Intensive Care Syndrome (PICS) has prompted investigation into interventions, such as ICU diaries, to mitigate the long-term psychological effects of PICS. Intensive care unit (ICU) diaries – journals written by clinicians and loved ones during an ICU admission – are a tool that can help patients reconstruct the events of their critical care experience. Entries in the diary may include clinical updates, explanation of treatments, and encouraging words from loved ones or staff. Previous research in European countries found ICU diaries may be effective in reducing psychological effects post ICU admission.

Research question: The aim of this rapid review was to identify the impact of ICU diaries on PICS psychological effects

Methods: This literature search followed Cochrane guidelines for a rapid review. This review included studies with adults hospitalized in United States ICUs. Excluded from the search were caregiver and family-focused articles, those with pediatric and neonatal populations, studies conducted in non-ICU settings, and non-diary intervention papers.

Results: Seven articles are included in this rapid review. Three major themes were discovered in this review: feasibility, bridging memory gaps, and lack of correlation in reducing PICS psychological effects. These articles discussed ICU diaries as a cost-efficient intervention, but with many execution challenges. Nurses expressed time constraints and uncertainty in what to include. Further investigation revealed a lack of education and clarity on ICU diaries. Patients' reported enhanced clarity and understanding of their ICU experience after reading their diaries. Conversely, three articles revealed no significant decrease in stress related symptoms with ICU diaries.

Conclusion: Given the low volume and quality of evidence supporting the effectiveness of ICU diaries in reducing PICS’ psychological effects, we currently cannot recommend their adoption in United States hospitals. A recommendation for future studies in the United States hospitals with more robust designs are needed to examine its feasibility and effectiveness for American ICUs.

Thesis Completion Year

2026

Thesis Completion Semester

Spring

Thesis Chair

Peach, Brian

College

College of Nursing

Department

College of Nursing

Thesis Discipline

Nursing

Language

English

Access Status

Open Access

Length of Campus Access

None

Campus Location

Orlando (Main) Campus

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Rights Statement

In Copyright