[Outcome after intensive care]

Abstract

Background: Intensive care is medical care for critically ill patients. Over the last 20 years more attention has been drawn to studying long-term outcome after intensive care.

Material and methods: This article is based on data from the authors' systematic follow up of ICU (intensive care unit) patients and literature identified through non-systematic searches in PubMed.

Results: In Norway more than 80 % of ICU patients survive the hospital stay. From about two years after intensive care and onwards, the overall survival rate parallels that of the total population. Pre-admission data show that ICU patients in general have more co-morbidity and reduction of life quality and functional status than the normal population. Their quality of life increases with time, and most patients become independent of others.

Interpretation: Many ICU patients have rehabilitation potential despite critical illness and comorbidity and most of the long-term survivors achieve acceptable quality of life. ICU patients are a heterogeneous group with great variation in short and long-term outcome. Organization of intensive care should include follow-up after hospital discharge.