This episodes guest is Dr. Wes Ely who is a highly respected and accomplished medical professional who has made significant contributions to the field of critical care medicine. With a wealth of knowledge and expertise, Dr. Ely has dedicated his career to improving patient care and advocating for the well-being of critically ill individuals.

Dr. Ely is recognized as a leading authority in the area of intensive care unit (ICU) delirium, a condition characterized by acute confusion and cognitive impairment experienced by many ICU patients. His groundbreaking research and innovative approaches to managing delirium have not only enhanced the understanding of this complex phenomenon but have also led to improved patient outcomes and quality of care.

As a professor of Medicine and Critical Care at Vanderbilt University Medical Center, Dr. Ely has played a pivotal role in shaping the field of critical care medicine through his expertise and mentorship. He has published extensively in prestigious medical journals, sharing his findings and insights with the global medical community.

In addition to his clinical and academic endeavors, Dr. Ely is a passionate advocate for patient and family-centered care. He actively promotes the importance of open communication, empathy, and shared decision-making in critical care settings, aiming to create a more holistic and compassionate approach to patient treatment.

You can contact me at ICU.Life.and.Recovery@gmail.com

I’d like to thank Dr Ely for being and guest and having a Frank

and open conversation with me

My guest this episode is Dr Julie Highfield a clinical ICU Psychologist in both the Paediatric and Adult Critical Care for Cardiff and Vale University Health Board. She is also the National Project Director for Wellbeing at the Intensive Care Society as well as being a trustee for ICU Steps a Charity that supports the creation of peer to peer support groups for ex-patients of ICU, their family and carers.

Our discussion in this episode is a general one about Psychology from a seasoned professional in Dr Highfield and myself a person taking their first steps on the path to becoming a professional psychologist. It is an interesting discussion covering a range of topics including the role of and importance of the Psychologist in the ICU team to the patient and family and to the ICU staff. We also touch on the importance of good mental health and support for the staff. As we all know staff health is as important as the patient as healthy staff are able to provide the best care.

Please join us in this open and honest discussion from both sides of the ICU as well as both sides of the Psychologists journey. I would also like to note there were a host of technical issues that occurred while recording the episode and I hope you won't be able to tell they happened but I'd like to apologize in advance if there was any evidence left in.

Dr Highfield Can be found on Twitter @DrJulie_H

You can message me through the voice messages on the Anchor platform, @ICUlife on Twitter or email me at ICU.Life.And.Recovery@gmail.com