The ICU Bridge Program: volunteers bridging medicine and people together

Abstract

Abstract Background The intensive care unit (ICU) is an emotionally taxing environment. Patients and family members are at an increased risk of long-term physical and psychological consequences of critical illness, known collectively as post-intensive care syndrome (PICS). These environmental strains can lead to a high incidence of staff turnover and burnout. Aim The ICU Bridge Program (ICUBP) is a student-led organization that attempts to mitigate these stressors on patients, family, and staff, by assigning university volunteers to ICUs across Montreal. Setting ICU. Participants ICU volunteers, staff, patients, and families. Program description The ICUBP volunteers support staff by orienting patients and families, while using effective communication strategies to provide comfort and promote a calm environment. The presence of volunteer visitors is helpful to patients who do not have the support of family members and/or friends. The program provides students with profound learning experiences by allowing them to shadow multidisciplinary teams, gaining a privileged and varied exposure to an acute medical environment, while developing their communications skills. Program evaluation The program reassesses its methods and impact via internal student-designed surveys distributed on a yearly basis to staff and volunteers. Discussion Research is warranted to assess the impact of the program on ICU patients, visitors, staff, and volunteers.