Understanding the Educational Needs of Primary Care Providers Around Post-Intensive Care Syndrome in Pediatrics (PICS-p)- a Cross-sectional Survey

Introduction: Pediatric Intensive Care Unit (PICU) survivors often experience new functional impairments after hospital discharge, known as Post-Intensive Care Syndrome in pediatrics (PICS-p). Unaddressed impairments may lead to life-long developmental delays. Primary Care Providers (PCPs) are responsible for recognizing and managing PICS-p. Understanding PCP preparedness for this role is critical to optimizing recovery after critical illness. Objectives: To characterize PCP’s 1) awareness and understanding of PICS-p, 2) access to resources for PICS-p impairments, 3) barriers to post-PICU care, 4) preferred educational strategies. Methods: Cross-sectional survey of university-affiliated PCPs from October to December 2023. An anonymous, 18-item Microsoft Forms survey was distributed via a children's hospital-affiliated community listserv by a third party. Results: Thirty of the 194 PCPs surveyed responded, (16%) response rate. Respondents were physicians (n=26, 87%), and Advanced Practice Providers (APPs) (n=4, 13%). All worked in a multiple practitioner setting (n=30, 100%). Only 27% (n=8) of respondents reported awareness of PICS-p. Confidence in managing PICS-p-related care needs was also limited, with 70% (n=21) indicating no confidence and 30% (n=9) indicating some confidence. Barriers to care included lack of PICS-p-related guidelines (n=25, 83%), inadequate resources or referrals (n=19, 63%), and limited communication with PICS-p experts (n=19, 63%). Targeted PICS-p education via e-mail (n=19, 63%) or webinar (n=16, 53%) was preferred. Conclusions: Most PCPs were unaware of or not confident in managing PICS-p, highlighting the need for collaborative efforts to improve post-PICU care. PICS-p educational strategies should align with PCP preferences, incorporating accessible electronic formats to enhance uptake and preparedness.