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Understanding Former Intensive Care Unit Patients' Perspectives of Post-Discharge Rehabilitation Services: A
Anette Bjerregaard Alrø1, Thea Dystrup Bjerregård2, Anne Thybo3
1Department of Intensive Care, Aarhus University Hospital, Aarhus N, Denmark.
Background:
Patients often experience lasting physical, cognitive, mental, and social challenges after intensive care unit (ICU) stays, collectively known as post-intensive care syndrome (PICS). While rehabilitation is essential for recovery, it is frequently fragmented and difficult to navigate. Understanding patient perspectives is crucial to improving services and ensuring care meets individual needs.
Aim:
The aim of this study was to map and describe patients' experiences of the rehabilitation services they received following their admission to the ICU.
Study Design:
This qualitative study used semi-structured interviews to describe the types, timing, and perceptions of post-ICU rehabilitation services among patients in Denmark. Participants were purposefully sampled from ICU support networks. Data were analysed using qualitative manifest content analysis to identify common themes and variations. The study followed COREQ guidelines and adhered to ethical standards.
Results:
Twenty ICU survivors from across Western Denmark participated in semi-structured interviews 2 months-2 years post-discharge. All received some form of rehabilitation, ranging from specialised hospital or municipal programmes to GP follow-up, home care, or peer support activities such as Intensive Care Cafés. Analysis identified three main themes: (1) navigating complex and fragmented rehabilitation pathways; (2) variable communication and information sharing across healthcare sectors; and (3) self-invented physical, cognitive, and social strategies to support recovery. Relatives played a crucial role in facilitating rehabilitation and daily adaptation.
Conclusions:
The findings highlight the need for coordinated person-centred rehabilitation after ICU discharge. Incorporating patient experiences, implementing systematic PICS screening, and strengthening communication across healthcare sectors can support more equitable and effective recovery.
Relevance To Clinical Practice:
A holistic, individualised approach with early screening and multidisciplinary rehabilitation and follow-up is essential to address PICS. Enhancing service accessibility and investigating long-term outcomes of rehabilitation interventions are key priorities for improving patient care.
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