[Post-intensive care syndrome]

Area of Science:

• Critical Care Medicine
• Internal Medicine
• Patient Outcomes

Background:

• Post-intensive care syndrome (PICS) describes sequelae following intensive care unit (ICU) hospitalization.
• PICS includes psychological, cognitive, and physical impairments affecting patient autonomy and quality of life.
• Relatives of ICU patients may also experience psychological distress.

Purpose of the Study:

• To highlight the growing importance of PICS management.
• To emphasize the internist's role in post-ICU patient care.
• To underscore the need for effective PICS screening and management methods.

Main Methods:

• Review of PICS definition and associated disorders.
• Discussion of PICS impact on patients and healthcare systems.
• Exploration of current screening and management approaches.

Main Results:

• PICS presents with diverse physical, cognitive, and psychological symptoms.
• Sequelae significantly impact patient autonomy, quality of life, and healthcare costs.
• No universally effective screening or management method has been formally established.

Conclusions:

• The increasing number of ICU survivors makes PICS a critical issue.
• Internists play a key role in managing patients after ICU stays.
• Further research is needed to develop and validate effective PICS interventions.