Post-intensive care interviews: implications for future practice

The measurement of outcome from intensive care, including the long-term physiological and psychological effects of disease and intensive therapy has tended to receive scanty attention. Little consideration has been given to the implications this may have for the patients, relatives and for future practice. Patients were interviewed in their own homes after 6 months of recovery, to allow freedom of expression and comfort within their own environment (territory). This study demonstrates that data generated by face-to-face interviews can be of immense importance to intensivists in assessing the effectiveness of services and promoting changes in clinical practice. It also shows a need for a long-term follow-up service encompassing community and hospital.