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Support in extreme situations: Psychologist accompanies caregivers and families in difficult moments
Darmstadt – An accident, a complication during surgery, or a sudden life-threatening diagnosis: situations like these lead patients to the intensive care unit – and often push their families to their limits. At the Darmstadt Clinic, a psychological service offers targeted support for patients, their families, and medical staff during particularly challenging times.
Psychological support relieves the burden on family members and staff
“I’m there for them in those moments,” says Laura Quattek , a psychologist in the intensive care unit at Darmstadt Hospital. For a year now, she has been supporting people in exceptional situations – whether it’s processing a poor prognosis or coping with the sudden loss of a loved one. Often, it’s the family members whom Quattek supports through counseling. “Medically, everything possible is done for the patients – but the families are often left alone with their fears,” the psychologist explains.
Their work not only provides support for relatives but also relieves the burden on the nursing team and doctors. Emotional reactions on the ward – such as tears in front of relatives – repeatedly raise questions for staff: “We talk openly about these situations. Many wonder whether crying seems unprofessional – but strength often lies precisely in humanity,” explains Quattek.
An intensive diary helps with processing
A key tool in their work is the intensive care diary . It is kept jointly with the medical team and family members. The aim is to help patients reconstruct the period of unconsciousness after they wake up. "Often, memories of days or even weeks are missing. The diary helps to categorize what happened and process it psychologically," explains Quattek.
Darmstadt Hospital relies on systemic support
As a maximum care hospital with a trauma center and oncology focus, the Darmstadt Clinic is confronted daily with deeply moving stories. Therefore, psychosocial support is of paramount importance, not only in the intensive care unit.
In several departments, so-called peer crisis counselors trained. They are readily available as trusted advisors, recognize stressful situations early on, and offer colleagues a listening ear. If needed, psychologists like Laura Quattek long-term support – even beyond the ward.
Expansion to further stations planned
The psychological service is headed by Lotte Schwärzel , who is responsible for organizational and leadership development at the hospital. She announces: "This fall, we will expand the psychological service to include the internal medicine and neurological intensive care units. Our team will also support the emergency room as needed."
The Darmstadt Clinic sees the establishment of these services as an important part of modern emergency and acute medicine – humane, forward-looking and holistic.
(Darmstadt – RED/Klinikum/ane)
Featured image: Psychologist Laura Quattek in conversation with Dr. Ulrike Wiedekind, Senior Consultant in the Intensive Care Unit. Photo: Darmstadt Hospital
