Abstract:
This prospective observational study examined the outcomes of 200
consecutive admissions to an adult tertiary level Intensive Care Unit (ICU). Eligible
and consenting participants were also involved in a sub-study that examined
health status at four measurement points from pre-illness to 6 months postdischarge.
Of the 189 individual patients admitted, 23% died in ICU and 57% were discharged
home. The health status sub-study enrolled 34 participants (39% of eligible patients)
who were representative of the ICU population for demographic and clinical variables.
Surviving participants returned to a similar, though not identical state of
health at 6 months post-discharge, when compared to their pre-ICU health-state using
the 15D and SF-36 instruments. Health status at ICU discharge was significantly
impaired when compared to other measurement points, particularly for mobility,
breathing, eating, usual activities and vitality.
A number of methodological challenges were evident, particularly for the health
status sub-study, including prospective subject recruitment and retention, losses to
follow-up and instrument responsiveness. Despite the limitations noted, the study
provided useful findings and recommendations for the continued development of
methods to examine the health status of critically ill patients.
