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An ICU Patient Journal is a simple diary kept at a patient's bedside. It holds photographs and letters written by our staff, family members, and friends.
We start Journals because many of our patients have gaps in their memories — caused by severe illness, medication, and treatments such as mechanical ventilation. Missing or frightening memories can cause distress and confusion during recovery, and a Journal helps by:
filling in the missing story
explaining what was happening during their care
supporting emotional recovery
helping families cope
improving communication
supporting patient-led care
What goes in it? Anything that helps tell the story — daily updates from the bedside, short notes of encouragement, drawings from grandchildren, photographs of small moments. There are no rules; a few sentences is enough.
What happens to it? The Journal belongs to the patient. Patients and families take it home on discharge, to read together — or alone — as memory returns.
How do I start one? Speak with the bedside nurse. They will set you up with a Journal and explain how it works.
Our goal isn't to create a medical record. It's to create a human, personal account of your ICU journey.
More Information
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Patient Safety
Patient safety is an essential component of high-quality care provided in the ICU. Our team have worked hard to establish a number of tools and strategies that ensures the ICU provides safe care, in the context of evidence-based practice and the National Safety and Quality Health Service (NSQHS) requirements.
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Beyond Critical Care
Leaving critical care and going to the ward is an important step in your recovery process as your ICU stay only plays a small part in your journey in hospital. The following information will help you and your family learn more about the ward environment and provide information about your recovery process.
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