International Journal of
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Conceptual Paper Volume 10 Issue 4
A conceptual mind genomics framework for understanding heterogeneity in post-ICU recovery support
Dipak Paul, Howard Moskowitz, Hala Badreddine
Received: August 10, 2026 | Published: August 31, 2026
Citation: Paul D, Moskowitz H, Badreddine H. A conceptual mind genomics framework for understanding heterogeneity in post-ICU recovery support. Int J Fam Commun Med. 2026;10(4):125-132. DOI: 10.15406/ijfcm.2026.10.00427
Abstract
Post-Intensive Care Syndrome (PICS) represents a multidimensional and prolonged recovery challenge in which ICU survivors may experience physical, cognitive, and psychological impairments, with associated functional and quality-of-life difficulties, while also differing in their recovery priorities and support needs. Although existing literature identifies multiple components of post-ICU recovery, including rehabilitation, psychological support, recovery information, follow-up, goal setting, social support, and patient participation, it remains unclear whether survivors systematically differ in how they value combinations of these recovery-support features. This conceptual paper proposes a Mind Genomics framework for examining such heterogeneity. Drawing on the literature on PICS, patient recovery priorities, rehabilitation, psychological interventions, followup, and patient-centered care, the framework organizes post-ICU recovery support into four Story Questions addressing recovery goals, emotional recovery, physical recovery, and follow-up and participation. The Story Questions were refined using the Idea Coach function in BimiLeap, a Mind Genomics platform for designing and conducting structured vignette-based studies. The Idea Coach generated up to 15 candidate answers for each Story Question. Four elements were then selected and, where necessary, refined for each Story Question, resulting in 16 proposed elements that could be systematically combined into realistic vignettes in a future empirical Mind Genomics study. Respondents could evaluate the overall value of each vignette, with subsequent Mind Genomics analysis estimating element-level contributions and using clustering to determine whether reproducible response-based patterns emerge. Three illustrative mindsets are presented solely as hypothetical examples of how potential response heterogeneity might be interpreted; they are not empirical findings or predefined patient categories. The framework is intended as a hypothesis-generating approach rather than a clinical intervention or substitute for individualized assessment. Future empirical research could test and refine the proposed elements, examine the stability and generalizability of any emerging response patterns, and explore whether such patterns have relevance for patient-centered post-ICU communication and recovery support.
Keywords: post-intensive care syndrome, post-ICU recovery, mind genomics, patientcentered care, recovery support, patient preferences
©2026 Paul, et al. This is an open access article distributed under the terms of the, which permits unrestricted use, distribution, and build upon your work non-commercially.