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Chronic critical illness: prevalence, profile, and pathophysiology
Clareen Wiencek1, Chris Winkelman
1Frances Payne Bolton School of Nursing, Case Western Reserve University, 10900 Euclid Ave, Cleveland, OH 44106, USA. clareen.wiencek@case.edu
AACN Advanced Critical Care
|February 2, 2010
Summary
Chronic critical illness (CCI) imposes significant burdens on patients, caregivers, and healthcare systems. Understanding CCI prevalence and pathophysiology aids clinicians in identifying at-risk patients for proactive care.
Area of Science:
- Critical Care Medicine
- Pulmonology
- Geriatrics
Background:
- Chronic critical illness (CCI) presents substantial emotional, social, and financial challenges.
- These burdens affect patients, their caregivers, and the healthcare system.
- The transition from acute to chronic critical illness lacks a fully understood mechanism.
Purpose of the Study:
- To equip acute and critical care clinicians with essential knowledge on the prevalence and profile of chronically critically ill patients.
- To provide information for comprehensive patient care.
- To address the pathophysiology contributing to chronic critical illness.
Main Methods:
- Literature review on chronic critical illness.
- Analysis of patient profiles and contributing pathophysiological factors.
- Synthesis of information for clinical application.
Main Results:
- The prevalence and specific profiles of chronically critically ill patients are detailed.
- Pathophysiological factors contributing to the development of CCI are discussed.
- The exact mechanisms driving the progression from acute to chronic critical illness remain elusive.
Conclusions:
- Clinicians can identify intensive care unit (ICU) patients at risk for chronic critical illness.
- Proactive care strategies can be instituted to mitigate patient and caregiver distress.
- Enhanced understanding of CCI supports improved patient outcomes and resource management.
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