Introduction to Critical Care Psychology and Rehabilitation

This chapter provides an introduction to critical care psychology and rehabilitation for professionals who are interested in, or who are already providing services in, intensive care environments. The concept of postintensive care syndrome (PICS) and postintensive care syndrome in family members (PICS-F) is introduced and foundational arguments are made to emphasize the benefits of integrating rehabilitative and psychological principles into the continuum of critical care practice for all stakeholders—patients, families, caregivers, staff, institutions, and society at large. Relevant literature is briefly summarized while referring the reader to other chapters in the book that explore specific topics in greater depth.