Banca de QUALIFICAÇÃO: FERNANDA LÚCIA NASCIMENTO FREIRE CAVALCANTE

Uma banca de QUALIFICAÇÃO de DOUTORADO foi cadastrada pelo programa.
STUDENT : FERNANDA LÚCIA NASCIMENTO FREIRE CAVALCANTE
DATE: 24/03/2026
TIME: 15:00
LOCAL: LABORATÓRIO DE PSICOLOGIA
TITLE:

Post-Intensive Care Syndrome: physical, cognitive, and psychological improvements in patients and impact on
families

 

KEY WORDS:

intensive care units; critical care outcomes; survivors; caregivers.

PAGES: 169
BIG AREA: Ciências Humanas
AREA: Psicologia
SUMMARY:

Objective: To evaluate and compare physical, cognitive, and mental health outcomes associated with Post-Intensive Care Syndrome (PICS) in patients and family members, considering associated factors, as well as the co-occurrence, correlation, and differences of these outcomes within the patient–family context.
Methods: This observational, cross-sectional, comparative study was conducted at a university hospital in northeastern Brazil and approved by the Research Ethics Committee (No. 7,321,526). The sample included 80 adult patients (≥18 years) with an ICU stay of at least 72 hours and their closest family member directly involved in care during ICU hospitalization. Data were collected after ICU discharge using validated instruments: the Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale (HADS), the Impact of Event Scale–Revised (IES-R), the Barthel Index (BI), and the Telephone Interview for Cognitive Status–Modified (TICS-M). Statistical analyses included association tests, comparison of means, and correlation analyses, adopting a 5% significance level.
Results: Patients showed a high frequency of anxiety, depression, and PTSD symptoms, with significant co-occurrence and association with functional impairment, but no evidence of cognitive decline. Pre-existing sociodemographic and clinical factors—such as low educational level, impaired prior functionality, need for a caregiver, and history of psychological distress—were significantly associated with mental health outcomes, whereas disease severity and length of ICU stay were not. Among family members, prevalences were similarly high and, in some cases, higher than those observed in patients, with marked co-occurrence of emotional symptoms. Psychological distress among family members was associated with poorer self-rated health, previous psychological suffering, and lack of mental health follow-up. In dyadic analysis, emotional symptoms were present in both groups, with relevant co-occurrence and significant correlations, indicating interdependence within the family context. No statistically significant differences were observed between patients and family members.
Conclusion: PICS manifests in a multidimensional and systemic manner, simultaneously affecting patients and family members, reinforcing the need for integrated care strategies and structured follow-up after ICU discharge.

 

COMMITTEE MEMBERS:
Externo ao Programa - 3298907 - BRUNO ARAÚJO DA SILVA DANTAS - nullPresidente - 347027 - EULALIA MARIA CHAVES MAIA
Externa à Instituição - KARINA DANIELLY CAVALCANTI PINTO - SMS
Externo ao Programa - 3296783 - SAINT CLAIR GOMES BERNARDES NETO - null