Cent Eur J Nurs Midw 2024, 15(4):2021-2029 | DOI: 10.15452/cejnm.2024.15.0020

Health consequences and nursing care needs of patients after ICU discharge: a retrospective observational study

Mara Alexandra Alves de Sousa1, Soraia Cristina de Abreu Pereira2,3,4, Armando Almeida5, Liliana Andreia Neves da Mota3,4, Fernanda Maria Príncipe Bastos Ferreira3,4
1 Entre Douro e Vouga Local Health Unit, Santa Maria da Feira, Portugal
2 Abel Salazar Biomedical Sciences Institute, University of Porto, Porto, Portugal
3 Red Cross Northern School of Health, Oliveira de Azemeis, Aveiro, Portugal
4 Cintesis@RISE, Porto University, Porto, Portugal
5 School of Health, University of the Azores, Azores, Portugal

Aim: Advances in intensive care have reduced mortality rates but increased the number of survivors who face medium to long-term physical, cognitive, and psychological deficits. Nurses play a crucial role in aiding these individuals during their health transition process. The aim of this study was to examine the health consequences and nursing care needs of patients post-ICU.

Design: Retrospective observational study.

Methods: Data were collected between December 2017 and October 2020 through a retrospective analysis of 215 clinical processes. Descriptive and inferential statistical analyses were performed using SPSS, version 24.

Results: While physical sequelae, such as respiratory and digestive issues, decrease over time, mental health issues persist. Quality of life, especially regarding mobility and daily activities, remains affected. Survivors face various self-care needs, including compromised ventilation, impaired swallowing, hallucinations, depressive mood, and anxiety, but also have potential for improving self-efficacy and daily task performance. Nursing interventions should focus on neuromuscular, gastrointestinal, psychological, and cardiorespiratory health.

Conclusion: Survivors of critical illness experience significant changes that impact on their quality of life. Identifying their needs allows for more personalized nursing care and the development of a follow-up model that effectively addresses these challenges and highlights the benefits of nursing interventions on health outcomes.

Keywords: aftercare, intensive care, nursing care, patient discharge, survivors

Received: July 3, 2024; Revised: October 23, 2024; Accepted: October 28, 2024; Published: December 9, 2024  Show citation

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de Sousa MAA, de Abreu Pereira SC, Almeida A, da Mota LAN, Bastos Ferreira FMP. Health consequences and nursing care needs of patients after ICU discharge: a retrospective observational study. Central European Journal of Nursing and Midwifery. 2024;15(4):2021-2029. doi: 10.15452/cejnm.2024.15.0020.
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