The ICU Recovery Center at Vanderbilt

We are here to help after leaving the ICU

Opened in 2012, The ICU Recovery Center is an innovative national resource at Vanderbilt that is dedicated to addressing the multifaceted recovery needs of individuals who have survived a critical illness. This clinic is a natural extension of the ground breaking research done by investigators at the Vanderbilt University School of Medicine and around the world that has highlighted the existence of significant neuropsychological, mental health, physical and functional challenges among survivors of critical illness in the months and years after discharge. The ICU Recovery Center strives to minimize post-intensive care syndrome (PICS) and maximize recovery.

‍

Who is eligible?

We welcome patients discharged from any ICU and their family members and/or caregivers to our clinic. We provide care for patients experiencing symptoms related to critical illness.

What is post-intensive care syndrome?

Patients recovering from critical illness may experience a combination of cognitive, psychological, and physical signs and symptoms that remain for months to many years after critical illness, known as post-intensive care syndrome (PICS). The common symptoms of PICS include:

Care and Services

Our clinic provides a wide array of interdisciplinary services each Friday in The Vanderbilt Clinic with the goal of coordinating post-ICU care, easing the transition from intensive care to home, and providing mental health treatment and cognitive rehabilitation. Directed by Carla Sevin, M.D., our team is comprised of an intensive care nurse practitioner, a neuropsychologist, an intensive care pharmacist, and a case manager. Services provided by our clinic include:

• Coordination and referrals to primary care, subspecialty services, physical and occupational therapy
• Medication reconciliation with pharmacist
• Assistance obtaining medical equipment, oxygen, or non-invasive ventilation
• Educational resources on physical, cognitive, emotional and daily living issues experienced by ICU survivors
• Behavioral health consultations for sleep, pain, stress management, smoking cessation
• Resources and support for caregivers and family members
• Referral to government assistance programs

Initial Evaluation

An initial evaluation will be individualized for each patient, but it is likely to include the following:

• Review of ICU course and related medical problems
• Screening spirometry and six minute walk test
• Medication reconciliation and counseling
• Screening for depression, anxiety, and post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD)
• Brief cognitive assessment and targeted psychotherapy
• Targeted case management assessment

Support Group

The ICU Survivor Support Group provides peer support for patients and/or family members of patients who have suffered or are dealing with critical illness. This group is facilitated by Jim Jackson, PsyD and Jenna MacDonald, MSW. Currently this group is completely virtual and is offered every Tuesday at 1 pm CST. For information on joining the group, please contact jennifer.macdonald@vumc.org.

Meet the Team

Additional Resources

For additional information about Post-Intensive Care Syndrome (PICS):

What is Post-Intensive Care Syndrome (Mayo Clinic)

What You Need To Know About Post-Intensive Care Syndrome (University of Michigan

A Patient’s Perspective on Post-intensive Care Syndrome (Video)

For additional information about Caregiving:

National Family Caregiver Support Program

Family Caregiver Alliance

Caregiver Stress Management Tips by Harvard Health Publishing

Contact Us

For additional information about the ICU Recovery Center or to schedule an appointment, please contact:
(615) 322-2386.

The ICU Recovery Center is located at:

The Vanderbilt Clinic (TVC), Room B-817
1215 21st Avenue South, Nashville, TN 37232

‍

‍