Funding outcome

Our study looks at the causes of mental distress in women during and after their stays in critical care. Women receiving critical care tend to have more mental distress slowing their recovery. Yet, there are no studies explaining the factors that cause mental distress in women, especially for Black women. Our study aims to address this gap by studying causes of mental distress in women during and after critical care. Thus, we will partner with women critical care survivors who offer advice on the study process. Working with patient partners increases the study's relevance and use in improving healthcare for women. With the help of patient partners, we will recruit about 30 women now out of the critical care unit and living at home. Study clients will share their stories in one on-one interviews and group discussions. They will also talk about what helped them feel mentally better during and after their stay. The researchers will compare responses between Black and Non-Black women and use this information to make suggestions for how to support women's mental health in critical care. They will also work closely with patient partners and healthcare professionals to ensure that the recommendations are practical and useful to facilitate women's recovery from critical illness. Thus, this study is important because it has the potential to recommend best practice for health care professionals to assess and manage mental distress in women receiving critical care.