Post-intensive care syndrome and health-related quality of life in long-term survivors of intensive care unit

Abstract

Objective: The objective of this study was to provide preliminary data for improving the health-related quality of life of long-term intensive care unit survivors by identifying the relationship between health-related quality of life and post-intensive care syndrome.

Methods: Using a descriptive correlation research design, data from patients who visited the outpatient department for continuous treatment after discharge from the intensive care unit were analysed. Post-intensive care syndrome was measured by physical, cognitive, and mental problems. Data were collected from 1st August to 31st December, 2019, and 121 intensive care unit survivors participated in the study.

Results: Health-related quality of life showed a negative correlation with physical, mental, and cognitive problems. The factors associated with health-related quality of life were physical and mental problems, education level, sedatives and neuromuscular relaxants, and marital status.

Conclusions: To improve the health-related quality of life of intensive care unit survivors, post-intensive care syndrome prevention is important, and a systematic strategy is required through a long-term longitudinal trace study. In addition, intensive care unit nurses and other healthcare professionals need to provide early interventions to reduce post-intensive care syndrome.

Keywords: Cognitive dysfunction; Health-related quality of life; Intensive care units; Post-traumatic; Post–intensive care syndrome; Stress disorder.