Optimizing Neurocritical Care Follow-Up Through the Integration of Neuropsychology

Pediatric critical care survivors often suffer persisting multisystem health problems and are left with treatment needs that go unmet due to limits in current care models. We proposed that integration of neuropsychology into neurocritical care follow-up provides incremental benefit to the identification and treatment of persisting complications and reduction in co-morbidities.

The aims of this study were three-fold. First, we described pilot programs at two pediatric hospitals as models for implementing systematic follow-up care with interdisciplinary clinic teams consisting of critical care, neurology, and neuropsychology. Second, we described working models specific to neuropsychological service delivery in these programs. Third, we presented preliminary data from the first six months of one of the pilot programs in order to examine incremental benefit of neuropsychology in improving patient care and parent satisfaction.

A total of 16 patients (age range three to 17 years) were seen by neuropsychology within the first six months of the program. Results showed that integration of neuropsychology into follow-up care resulted in recommendations being made for services or concerns not already addressed in 81% of cases. Parents reported high satisfaction, endorsing the highest possible rating on 96% of all items. Parents reported that neuropsychological consultation improved their understanding and communication with their child, and helped them know what to expect from their child during postacute recovery.

The results of this pilot study suggest that integration of neuropsychology into neurocritical care follow-up programs contributes to parent satisfaction and may provide incremental benefit to patient care.