Mental and physical disorders after ICU discharge

Area of Science:

• Critical care medicine
• Post-intensive care syndrome
• Patient outcomes

Background:

• Long-term consequences of intensive care are a growing area of research.
• Survivors of intensive care units (ICUs) frequently report diminished health-related quality of life (HRQOL).

Purpose of the Study:

• To review recent findings on the long-term consequences of intensive care.
• To highlight emerging knowledge in post-intensive care outcomes.

Main Methods:

• Literature review of recent studies on intensive care survivors.
• Synthesis of findings related to quality of life, mental health, cognitive function, and physical recovery.

Main Results:

• Reduced HRQOL, depression, and anxiety are common in ICU survivors.
• Cognitive dysfunction assessment tools are advancing.
• Renal recovery and the course of critical illness polyneuropathy/myopathy are better understood.
• Early mobilization during ICU stay demonstrates positive effects on long-term outcomes.

Conclusions:

• Outcome research in intensive care is expanding.
• There is a need for more intervention studies to reduce the long-term burden on survivors.
• Focus is shifting towards mitigating post-ICU complications.