Characteristics of Post-ICU Clinics and Peer Support Groups

Background Critical illness survivors increasingly are recognized as having significant needs after discharge. These patients may benefit from post-ICU clinics targeted to assess these needs and peer support to promote connection and support among survivors of critical illness and their families. Research Question What are the current landscape, format, and structure of post-ICU clinics and peer-support groups? Study Design and Methods We conducted a cross-sectional descriptive survey of Critical and Acute Illness Recovery Organization (CAIRO) collaborative members regarding post-ICU clinics and peer-support groups in early 2025. We collected details of the overall hospital environment, background of start-up, and processes and operations. Results We received responses from 32 post-ICU clinics and 11 peer-support groups globally (response rates, 51% and 61%, respectively). Post-ICU clinics generally draw patients from multiple ICUs (median, 3 ICUs) within their primary hospital; 44% also drew from other health system hospitals. Most visits (66%) occurred 3 to 4 weeks after discharge. Patients with respiratory failure, sepsis, and delirium commonly were seen in interdisciplinary clinic visits. Core practices included physical examination (78%) and assessments of physical function (88%), mental health (72%), cognitive function (69%), and social determinants of health (50%). Peer-support programs draw from a median of 3 ICUs and most (73%) also enrolled from other hospitals within their health system. Peer-support groups most commonly were held monthly (64%) for 31 to 60 minutes. Personnel who facilitated the sessions commonly included social workers, psychologists, and nurses. Most peer-support groups (82%) were open groups and included a discussion, ICU experience debriefing, and education about critical illness recovery. Interpretation We provide an update of current practice across CAIRO's post-ICU clinics and peer-support programs. Our results show that further research to support recovery after critical illness best is needed.