While much of the research on post-ICU mental health morbidity has focused upon the survivors themselves, emerging data shows that caregivers of ICU patients are similarly impacted.

The collective sequelae experienced by family members of ICU survivors are collectively referred to as PICS-family (PICS-F).

More than half of patients who have received prolonged mechanical ventilation will require caregiver support up to 1 year following discharge, creating an enormous burden on these caregivers.

Similarly, there are few resources available to support caregivers.

Previous data from the Canadian RECOVER cohort found that nearly 2/3 of caregivers reported symptoms of depression at the time of patient discharge, and 43% at 1-year post-discharge.

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