Post-intensive Care Syndrome-Family: Feasibility of Cognitive Behavioral Therapy Delivery Utilizing a Mobile Health App

Title: Post-intensive Care Syndrome-Family: Feasibility of Cognitive Behavioral Therapy Delivery Utilizing a Mobile Health App

PI: Dr. Amy Petrinec (College of Nursing)

Co-PIs: Dr. Yea-Jyh Chen (College of Nursing), Dr. Joel Hughes (College of Arts and Sciences: Psychological Sciences), and Dr. Melissa Zullo (College of Public Health)

Dr. Amy Petrinec, Assistant Professor in the College of Nursing, focuses her research on helping family members of critically ill patients manage psychological distress that may arise while their family member is in the ICU. She develops interventions to help family members cope with symptoms of anxiety, depression, and quality of life during and after a family member’s ICU hospitalization. Petrinec and her team are currently examining the effect of cognitive behavioral therapy delivered through a smartphone app to family members of critically ill patients. The app provides a suite of self-care options for the family member to use during this stressful time.  Ultimately, they hope to find innovative ways to help these family members through a difficult experience.