Subject selection: patient OR family member
Features of the postintensive care syndrome:
(1) new or worsening problems in
(1a) physical
(1b) cognitive
(1c) mental health
(2) arising after a critical illness
(3) persists beyond the acute care hospitalization
Some manifestations may include:
(1) chronic respiratory impairment
(2) impaired renal function
(3) impaired cognitive function
(4) fatigue, weakness and/or myopathy
(5) frailty
(6) post-traumatic stress disorder
(7) other psychological problems such as anxiety or depression
(8) economic problems
A patient with postintensive care syndrome may be at increased risk for readmission after discharge.
A family member would be more likely to have cognitive, psychological and economic problems.