Concept review defines prevention of post-intensive care syndrome in children

A systematic review described the prevention of post-intensive care syndrome in children, or PICS-p, as a multidimensional process involving physical, cognitive, psychological and social strategies during and after hospitalization in the pediatric intensive care unit. The article’s abstract reports that prevention aims to anticipate, reduce or avoid persistent sequelae in children and their family environment.

The authors used the concept analysis methodology proposed by Walker and Avant, based on a comprehensive review of literature in PubMed, Web of Science, Ovid and ScienceDirect. This was a conceptual synthesis rather than a clinical trial. Its findings therefore address how prevention is defined and which antecedents, consequences and frameworks are relevant, rather than establishing whether a particular program improves outcomes.

According to the abstract, the analysis identified increased survival following pediatric critical illness, growing evidence of persistent physical, cognitive, psychological and social sequelae, and the recognition of PICS-p as a clinical construct among the most relevant antecedents of prevention. Potential consequences associated with implementing preventive approaches include better functional recovery, fewer long-term impairments and greater support for children and their families. These were presented as potential consequences, not demonstrated intervention effects.

Pediatric adaptations of the ABCDEF bundle and family-centered care were identified as relevant conceptual and clinical frameworks. The broader approach was characterized as comprehensive, focused on development and marked by active family participation and continuous interdisciplinary work from admission through the transition home. However, the abstract states that evidence regarding the direct effectiveness of these frameworks in preventing PICS-p remains limited. The review consequently provides a conceptual definition and organizes proposed components of prevention; it does not establish the prevalence of PICS-p, demonstrate the effectiveness of a specific bundle or nursing intervention, or show that any individual outcome is reduced by these approaches.

Subject of Research: Conceptual review of strategies for preventing post-intensive care syndrome in children

Article Title: Understanding and preventing post-intensive care syndrome in children: a conceptual exploration

Article References: Acuña-Caicedo, S. A., & Fuentes-Ramírez, A. (2026). Understanding and preventing post-intensive care syndrome in children: a conceptual exploration. BMC Pediatrics. https://doi.org/10.1186/s12887-026-07617-5

Image Credits: AI Generated

DOI: 10.1186/s12887-026-07617-5

Keywords: post-intensive care syndrome, pediatrics, critical care, concept analysis, ABCDEF bundle, family-centered care, functional recovery, long-term sequelae, Understanding, preventing, post-intensive, care