ECRI: How to spot signs of post-intensive care syndrome in COVID-19 survivors

Summary

Post-intensive care syndrome (PICS) is a nonspecific syndrome that results from physical, mental, and emotional stresses associated with critical illness and treatment in intensive care units (ICUs). Common features include neuromuscular weakness from immobility, cognitive impairment from sedation, and anxiety, depression, post-traumatic stress syndrome (PTSD), and, as we are learning, additional sequelae for COVID-19 survivors. Symptoms can manifest or persist weeks, months, or years after patient discharge. 

This eBook from ECRI provides an overview of PICS, the common danger signs health providers and family members should be able to identify, and its potential long term negative effects.

Learn about strategies like creating an ICU diary to help mitigate risks, in addition to understanding other recommendations to consider to protect the safety and well-being of patients during their recovery.

Content

Key takeaways

• Presentation weeks and/or months after ICU discharge
• Physical and mental tolls of critical illness and care
• Beware of the possible warning signs, which may include: muscle weakness or problems with balance, problems with thinking and memory, severe anxiety, depression and nightmares
• The medical community expects to see a high number of PICS cases among COVID-19 survivors due to the increasing number of patients receiving critical care.