Critical Care Clinicians' Knowledge of Post-Intensive Care Syndrome

Abstract

Background: The term post-intensive care syndrome refers to a group of symptoms that commonly occur after intensive care unit discharge, leading to worsening physical or mental health. The incidence of this syndrome is increasing. Critical care clinicians can play a pivotal role in improving patient outcomes through knowledge of post-intensive care syndrome risk factors and symptoms.

Objective: To explore critical care clinicians' current knowledge of post-intensive care syndrome as a basis for developing critical care educational interventions.

Methods: This quantitative, cross-sectional, observational pilot study was conducted to survey critical care physicians, nurses, nurse practitioners, and physician assistants at a university hospital on their knowledge of post-intensive care syndrome symptoms and risk factors and their confidence in their ability to recognize the condition.

Results: A total of 51 clinicians completed the survey. The overall levels of knowledge and confidence regarding post-intensive care syndrome risk factors and symptoms were low, with no significant differences found by clinician role.

Conclusions: These findings support the need for interprofessional education on post-intensive care syndrome risk factors and early identification of symptoms in the critical care setting.

Keywords: critical care nursing; evidence-based practice; intensive care; nursing research; post–intensive care syndrome.