The psychologist’s place in intensive care unit

Or “Plea for Psychologist Presence in Intensive Care Unit”

Abstract

In Intensive Care Unit, where physical and psychological patients’ integrity is affected, somatic take precedence over emotional dimension. Nevertheless, both of them are ineluctably intertwined. Actually, research reports an overwhelming experience, both for patients, relatives and for caregivers. Hence, psychologist takes place in this triangulation patient-relatives-caregivers, in order to preserve the emotional dimension in intensive care units, and to offer an appropriate psychological support. From a clinical case, this article purpose is to clarify for the caregivers of intensive care unit, the role of psychologist: the patient’s implicit/explicit requests, those of relatives, and the caregivers’ ones are identified; some potential areas works for psychologist are suggested and analyzed; how psychologist deals with these requests to support patient, relatives and caregivers is explained.