Konstantina Avgeri, Epaminondas Zakinthinos, Vasiliki Tsolaki and Demosthenes Makris
Background: Patients following intensive care unit hospitalization may present disability and dysfunction in their physical and cognitive functions.
Objectives: We investigated the quality of life (QoL) of patients following discharge from the intensive care unit and we assessed the role of support by the family members.
Methodology: This retrospective study was conducted at the University Hospital of Thessaly and included patients who stayed for at least 48 hours in ICU and were alive at discharge between 2014 and 2019. The quality of life was assessed by the questionnaire SF-36. The scale of SF-36 score range from 0-100.
Results: A total of 671 participants were included in the study. The mean (SD) SF-36 score was 51.98 (28.18.) Overall, patients characterized their health fair [mean (SD) SF-item score 2.68 (1.47) out of 5]. Patients actual view on their health condition was similar to what believed for their condition one year before [mean (SD) SF-item score 3.36 (1.49)]. Mortality at ICU discharge was 32.7%. Mortality at 6 months following was 33.2%.
Conclusion: The present study shows that the QoL of patients following ICU discharge may be positively affected by the support from spouses or friends.
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