Environment/
Location
Duration of
Participation
Duration of
Participation and
Timing and
frequency of intervention
Professional/ non -professional participation
Population and
recruitment strategies
Activities engaged in and sustainability
Metrics and
outcomes
Intentionality of caregiver involvement
Number of Sites undertaking this model
Community Based Model (Support Groups)
Church halls,
cafes, in-
hospital settings and hired rooms in function suites
Participant based decision
Fortnightly, monthly and six weekly
Can feature staff from the ICU or can be peer led. May also feature social care staff such as social
workers and
Chaplains
Less formal: posters within the ICU and hospital environment, word of mouth and through participation in research studies
Formal strategies include discussions at follow up
appointments and
recommendations from healthcare professionals as part of an ongoing treatment plan.
Group sessions where the topic guided by participants
Qualitative in
nature, the
number of
participants attending and the
return of
participants
Open to
caregivers
7
Psychologist- Led
Church halls, cafes, in hospital settings hired
rooms in
function suites
Participant based decision
Fortnightly, monthly and six weekly
The subject matter is led by the group
however, the
facilitation is provided
by a Clinical
psychologist often with
expertise/knowledge in critical
Less formal: posters within the ICU and hospital environment, word of mouth and through participation in research studies
Group sessions where the topic is guided by participants. Sessions can also include expertise from other specialties, such as oncology for specific sessions. Input is based upon normalizing experiences
Qualitative, the
number of
participants attending and the
return of
participants
Open to
caregivers
4
Peer Support during ICU follow up Clinics
Within the
hospital setting.
Could be in the acute setting or an LTAC facility
Current models, such as those in the UK and those in different disciplines (i.e.
pulmonary rehabilitation) typically last between 5-10 weeks. Patients attend once per week. However,
could be
developed in a
Ideally should be individualized to
the person.
Should
commence as
soon after
hospital discharge as possible
To allow for optimal peer support, there should be a mixture of both professional and nonprofessional participation.
Individuals who are further along the recovery trajectory can help facilitate the running of the program
All patients who wish to attend should have the opportunity. However, recruitment should be aimed at those who have had an extended ICU stay.
Individuals who have complex co-morbidities preceding ICU may also find the intervention beneficial
Should offer holistic support for both patients and caregivers, which spans both health and social care needs.
Peer support can be embedded in a number of ways: group
discussion, the
opportunity to mix on a one to one basis with other participants and the input of patient volunteers
The use of personal goals, as well as qualitative feedback may be useful for this intervention to specifically understand the impact of peer support
Support for
caregivers can be easily
incorporated into this type of model.
Caregivers
should be
actively
encouraged to
attend and
participate
5
1
one-off appointment Online
models
Virtual Participant based decision
Ongoing. Online support groups
within the
collaborative currently run
Staff approve comments before they are posted.
Other patients and caregivers can act as facilitators for support groups.
Less formal: via social media platforms and word of mouth.
Group sessions where the topic is led by participants. Also, individuals can post at any time and be guided by other participants and staff.
Qualitative, the
number of
participants taking part.
Open to
caregivers
2
Group Based Models within the ICU
Within the ICU or in a room in the hospital setting
For as long as the patient is within the hospital environment, or as long as the participant deems appropriate
Weekly groups Can be led by staff from the ICU or social care staff and Chaplains
Less formal: posters within the ICU and hospital environment, word of mouth and through participation in research studies
Group sessions where the topic is very much led by participants
Qualitative, the
number of
participants attending and the
return of
participants
Primarily aimed at caregivers
5
Peer Mentor Model
Face to face, online or via mobile phone interactions
There may be an initial set time laid out. However, this may be reduced if necessary, or may continue longer term informally
Often minimal interactions are encouraged, but the type and
quantity of
exchanges will be decided upon by those involved
Staff would be involved in the initial training of volunteers and mentors in the initial set up phase.
Out with this, staff would be involved at structured time points and if any difficult situations arose
Currently being explored.
May be that recruitment starts in the ICU environment. Or it may be
through informal
recruitments strategies such as posters
Subject matter decided upon by participants.
However, clear
guidelines should be adopted to ensure a safe and effective system is in place to protect participants
Specific questionnaires
have been
developed across different
specialties. Anxiety measures may be useful as well as qualitative outcomes
At present this method of peer support is being explored within
the patient
population. This could, however, be extended to loved ones and primary
caregivers
3
Supplemental Table 2: Defining features of each model of peer support Notes:
Some sites have trialled more than one approach to peer support. Contact details for each site can be found in the authorship list.