Return to work and family situation one year after discharge from intensive care unit
A case series
Abstract
Introduction: The increasing admission to the intensive care unit (ICU) and advancements in critical care have resulted in an ever-expanding population of survivors. Disability can delay the return to work and change the usual family dynamics, leading to important financial and social consequences.
Case presentation: Thirteen patients were admitted to the ICU of our center with a requirement for invasive mechanical ventilation, received follow-up in the general ward until discharge, and continued with telephone follow-up at three, six, and twelve months after discharge. The data pertain to a sub-analysis of quality of life and functional capacity in 101 post-ICU patients (Clinical trials: NCT05149430).
Conclusion: Within one year, only 4 out of 10 patients returned to an active work situation. The literature reports that the duration for which they hold their new jobs is brief, and it is estimated that they will become unemployed again in a few months. Regarding the family group, we have not found similar reports; however, we observed that 4 patients required a caregiver or rehabilitation center at six months.
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