Trauma Survivors Network - provided by ATS

Morristown Medical Center’s Trauma Center is verified as a Level I Regional Trauma Center by the American College of Surgeons and designated a Level II by the state of New Jersey.   Morristown Medical’s Surgical Critical Care and Trauma Services have one goal: to return the patient to the highest level of functioning. We have been providing excellent patient outcomes for more than 10 years, offering the highest level of care and injury prevention efforts.  We also provide rehabilitation evaluation and services.

 

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ICU Team Support Services 

Once a patient is admitted to the ICU there is availability of a Patient and Family Social Work Support specialist in each adult Intensive Care Unit within Morristown.  They are available to provide supportive counseling and resources to ICU patients and their families during this stressful time. 

 

The continuum of social work support is also available after you leave the ICU.  We know trauma patients are at an increased risk for developing Post Intensive Care Syndrome (see below for more info on PICS).  The Post ICU Outreach & Support social worker works on a multi- disciplinary team that includes a Critical Care Physician, Advanced Nurse Practitioner, and other disciplines.  The Post ICU Outreach Team works to identify patients and families who are at risk for Post Intensive Care Syndrome (PICS or PICS-Family) once they leave the ICU.  Once a patient is identified to be at risk there is an array of resources made available.  Such as social/emotional support groups or a follow-up visit to Post Intensive Care Clinic for ongoing care after the ICU.  

 

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What is Post Intensive Care Syndrome (PICS)?

Following an ICU stay survivors may experience new or worsening symptoms below:

 

-Physical Weakness- physical limitations, muscle weakness or problems with balance. 

-Cognitive Difficulties- difficulty with thinking, remembering, problem solving, paying attention, word finding, organizing your thoughts, trouble with concentration

-Emotional Difficulties- depression, anxiety and post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). Critically ill patients may develop sleep problems including difficulty falling and staying asleep, nightmares and may confuse sleeping and waking times.

-Family members are also at risk of developing the above emotional struggles

 

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To Learn More about Post Intensive Care Syndrome visit:

Atlantic Health-Post Acute ICU Recovery Center 

Atlantic Post ICU Recovery Center (atlantichealth.org)

Society of Critical Care Medicine

www.MyICUCare.org