Novel Post-Neurointensive Care Recovery Clinic: Design, Utilization, and Clinician Perspectives

Area of Science:

• Neurology
• Intensive Care Medicine
• Health Services Research

Background:

• Limited descriptions exist for post-neurologic intensive care unit (neuro-ICU) care.
• Increasing interest in post-ICU clinical care and management.
• Need for structured follow-up for patients with acute neurologic disorders.

Purpose of the Study:

• Describe the design of a post-neuro-ICU Neurorecovery Clinic (NRC).
• Present data on the clinic's population, referrals, visits, and clinician satisfaction.
• Assess the feasibility and provider experience of a dedicated neuro-ICU recovery program.

Main Methods:

• Single-institution experience with a Neurorecovery Clinic (NRC).
• Collected data on referrals, no-shows, visit types, and diagnoses.
• Assessed clinician satisfaction and perspectives via survey and qualitative thematic analysis.

Main Results:

• 225 patients referred, 105 (47%) seen in the NRC over 2 years.
• Common diagnoses: other (36%), ischemic stroke (26%), traumatic brain injury (17%).
• Clinicians found NRC valuable, citing interdisciplinary collaboration and improved management of post-ICU problems.

Conclusions:

• A post-neuro-ICU NRC is a feasible model for delivering care after severe neurologic disorders.
• The clinic serves a diverse patient population with various diagnoses.
• Future studies should evaluate the impact of this model on patient outcomes.