IJERPH, Vol. 18, Pages 10122: Implementation of a Follow-Up Program for Intensive Care Unit Survivors

IJERPH, Vol. 18, Pages 10122: Implementation of a Follow-Up Program for Intensive Care Unit Survivors International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health doi: 10.3390/ijerph181910122 Authors: Marta Villa Silvia Villa Simona Vimercati Mara Andreossi Fabrizia Mauri Daniela Ferlicca Roberto Rona Giuseppe Foti Alberto Lucchini In Intensive Care Unit (ICU) survivors, critical illness has an impact on an individual’s long-term health status and quality of life. Adults who have recovered from intensive care management could develop muscle weakness, neurocognitive impairment, difficulties in managing activities of daily living and to returning to work, and psychological problems such as depression and anxiety. A prospective, observational study was designed. Data were collected from January to December 2018 from a structured follow-up program, at 3 time points after ICU discharge: at seven days, a visit in the general ward, a phone interview at three months and an ambulatory visit at six months. A total of 95 patients were enrolled, 36% female, with a median age of 65 (55–73) years and a median ICU length of stay of 13 (8–20) days. At the seven days follow-up, patients who had a positive Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale showed a significantly longer time of intubation (p = 0.048) and length of ICU stay (p = 0.023). At three months, we observed a significant relationship between a positive Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale and a med...
Source: International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health - Category: Environmental Health Authors: Tags: Article Source Type: research