Pediatric intensive care unit follow-up: Thinking before acting.

OBJECTIVE: It is now well established that post-intensive care syndrome is frequent in critically ill children after discharge from the pediatric intensive care unit (PICU). Nevertheless, post-intensive care follow-up is highly heterogenous worldwide and is not considered routine care in many countries. The purpose of this viewpoint was to report the reflections of the French PICU society working group on how to implement post-PICU follow-up. METHODS: A working group was set up within the Groupe Francophone de Reanimation et d'Urgences Pédiatriques (GFRUP) to provide conceptual and practical guidance for developing post-PICU follow-up. The working group included psychologists, PICU physicians, physiotherapists, and nurses, from different French PICUs. Five virtual meetings have been held. RESULTS: First, we described in this work the objectives of the follow-up program and the population to be targeted. We also provided a framework to implement post-PICU follow-up in clinical practice. Finally, we detailed the potential obstacles and challenges to consider. CONCLUSION: Although implementing a post-PICU follow-up program is a challenge, the benefits could be significant for both patient and relatives, as well as for the health care professionals involved.

[The emotions of caregivers in neonatal and paediatric intensive care]. / Les émotions des soignants en réanimation néonatale et pédiatrique.

When treating a child hospitalised in a neonatal or paediatric unit, the emotions of the child's parents are of particular concern for the caregivers. The emotional experience of the nursing teams, however, is rarely taken into account, despite it having an impact on the quality of the support. Group discussion and individual reflection around professionals' emotions is essential.

[The role of the psychologist with a death in neonatal and paediatric intensive care]. / Le rôle du psychologue lors d'un dêcès en réanimation néonatale et pédiatrique.

The psychologist within a neonatal and paediatric intensive care unit intervenes in accordance with the condition of the patient and those at whom their services are aimed. The psychological practice in this particular context comprises certain specificities. As the child nears the end of life the psychologist must find his place within the unit and adapt his care to the needs expressed.