Curb Your Enthusiasm: Definitions, Adaptation, and Expectations for Quality of Life in ICU Survivorship

Novel Definitions of Wellness and Distress among Family Caregivers of Patients with Acute Cardiorespiratory Failure: A Qualitative Study

Rationale: Family caregivers of patients with acute cardiorespiratory failure are at high risk for distress, which is typically defined as the presence of psychological symptoms such as anxiety, depression, or posttraumatic stress. Interventions to reduce caregiver distress and increase wellness have been largely ineffective to date. An incomplete understanding of caregiver wellness and distress may hinder efforts at developing effective support interventions. Objectives: To allow family caregivers to define their experiences of wellness and distress 6 months after patient intensive care unit (ICU) admission and to identify moderators that influence wellness and distress. Methods: Primary family caregivers of adult patients admitted to the medical ICU with acute cardiorespiratory failure were invited to participate in a semistructured interview 6 months after ICU admission as part of a larger prospective cohort study. Interview guides were used to assess caregiver perceptions of their own well-being, record caregiver descriptions of their experiences of family caregiving, and identify key stress events and moderators that influenced well-being during and after the ICU admission. This study was guided by the Chronic Traumatic Stress Framework conceptual model, and data were analyzed using the five-step framework approach. Results: Among 21 interviewees, the mean age was 58 years, 67% were female, and 76% were White. Nearly half of patients (47%) had died before the caregiver interview. At the time of the interview, 9 caregivers endorsed an overall sense of distress, 10 endorsed a sense of wellness, and 2 endorsed a mix of both. Caregivers defined their experiences of wellness and distress as multidimensional and composed of four main elements: 1) positive versus negative physical and psychological outcomes, 2) high versus low capacity for self-care, 3) thriving versus struggling in the caregiving role, and 4) a sense of normalcy versus ongoing life disruption. Postdischarge support from family, friends, and the community at large played a key role in moderating caregiver outcomes. Conclusions: Caregiver wellness and distress are multidimensional and extend beyond the absence or presence of psychological outcomes. Future intervention research should incorporate novel outcome measures that include elements of self-efficacy, preparedness, and adaptation and optimize postdischarge support for family caregivers.

Health Expectations and Quality of Life After Acute Respiratory Failure: A Multicenter Prospective Cohort Study

BACKGROUND

Patients often have high expectations for recovery after critical illness, but the impact of these expectations on subsequent quality of life (QoL) after serious illnesses has not been evaluated empirically.

RESEARCH QUESTION

Among adult survivors of acute respiratory failure (ARF), are met vs unmet expectations for health associated with self-reported QoL 6 months after discharge?

STUDY DESIGN AND METHODS

This was a prospective longitudinal cohort study enrolling consecutive adult patients with ARF managed in ICUs at five academic medical centers. At hospital discharge, we evaluated participants' expected health 6 months in the future via a visual analog scale (VAS; range, 0-100), with higher scores representing better expected health. At 6-month follow-up, perceived health was assessed using the EQ-5D VAS, and QoL was assessed using the World Health Organization Quality of Life Brief Version (WHOQOL-BREF) instrument. Participants' health expectations were categorized as having been met when perceived health at 6 months was no more than eight points lower than their expectation at study enrollment. The primary analysis compared WHOQOL-BREF domain scores (range, 0-100) at 6 months after discharge in patients with met vs unmet health expectations using the nonparametric Mann-Whitney U test. Secondary analysis modeled WHOQOL-BREF domain scores using multivariate regression, and sensitivity analyses assessed QoL using EQ-5D-5L index values.

RESULTS

In the primary analysis, QoL was significantly better among participants with met vs unmet health expectations across all domains of the WHOQOL-BREF: physical health (estimated difference in scores: median, 19 [interquartile range (IQR), 12-15]; P < .001), psychological health (median, 12 [IQR, 6-18]; P < .001), social relationships (median, 6 [IQR, 0-13]; P = .02), and environmental health (median, 12 [IQR, 6-13]; P < .001). In multivariate regression, the difference between expected and perceived health remained associated significantly with the physical health domain score.

INTERPRETATION

Fulfillment of health expectations is associated with better QoL after ARF, suggesting a mechanism underpinning successful ICU recovery programs that incorporate normalization and expectation management.

Development and External Validation of a Prediction Model for Quality of Life of ICU Survivors: A Subanalysis of the MONITOR-IC Prospective Cohort Study

OBJECTIVES

To develop and externally validate a prediction model for ICU survivors' change in quality of life 1 year after ICU admission that can support ICU physicians in preparing patients for life after ICU and managing their expectations.

DESIGN

Data from a prospective multicenter cohort study (MONITOR-IC) were used.

SETTING

Seven hospitals in the Netherlands.

PATIENTS

ICU survivors greater than or equal to 16 years old.

INTERVENTIONS

None.

MEASUREMENTS AND MAIN RESULTS

Outcome was defined as change in quality of life, measured using the EuroQol 5D questionnaire. The developed model was based on data from an academic hospital, using multivariable linear regression analysis. To assist usability, variables were selected using the least absolute shrinkage and selection operator method. External validation was executed using data of six nonacademic hospitals. Of 1,804 patients included in analysis, 1,057 patients (58.6%) were admitted to the academic hospital, and 747 patients (41.4%) were admitted to a nonacademic hospital. Forty-nine variables were entered into a linear regression model, resulting in an explained variance ( R2 ) of 56.6%. Only three variables, baseline quality of life, admission type, and Glasgow Coma Scale, were selected for the final model ( R2 = 52.5%). External validation showed good predictive power ( R2 = 53.2%).

CONCLUSIONS

This study developed and externally validated a prediction model for change in quality of life 1 year after ICU admission. Due to the small number of predictors, the model is appealing for use in clinical practice, where it can be implemented to prepare patients for life after ICU. The next step is to evaluate the impact of this prediction model on outcomes and experiences of patients.

Fulfillment of Patient Expectations after Acute Respiratory Failure: A Multicenter Prospective Cohort Study

Rationale: Discussion of patient expectations for recovery is a component of intensive care unit (ICU) follow-up clinics. However, few studies have formally evaluated recovery-related expectations of ICU survivors. Objectives: To estimate the prevalence of unmet expectations for recovery 6 months after hospital discharge among adult survivors of acute respiratory failure (ARF). Methods: This was a prospective, longitudinal, cohort study of survivors of ARF discharged to home from five U.S. medical centers. Expectations for functional recovery were assessed by asking which activities and instrumental activities of daily living (I/ADLs) survivors expected to perform independently at 6 months. Survivors' expectations for overall health status were assessed using a visual analogue scale ranging from 0 to 100. At 6-month follow-up, participants reported which I/ADLs they could perform independently and rated their overall health status using a 100-point visual analogue scale. We defined a participant's functional expectations as being met if they reported independently performing I/ADLs as expected at hospital discharge. Health expectations were considered to be met when self-rated health status at 6 months was no more than 8 points lower than expected at enrollment. Results: Among 180 enrollees, 169 (94%) were alive, and 160 of these (95%) participated in 6-month follow-up. Functional expectations were met for 71% of participating survivors, and overall health expectations were met for 50%. Expectations for functional independence were high, ranging from 87% (housekeeping) to 99% (using a telephone). General health expectations were variable (median, 85; interquartile range [IQR], 75-95). At 6-month follow-up, self-rated, overall health ranged from 2 to 100 (median, 80; IQR, 60-85). In exploratory analyses, participants with met versus unmet expectations differed most in formal education (functional expectations standardized difference = 0.88; health expectations standardized difference = 0.41). Conclusions: Expectations of survivors of ARF about independent functioning were high and generally met, but half had unmet general health expectations 6 months after discharge. It is difficult to predict whose health expectations will be unmet, but possessing less formal education may be a risk factor. Clinical trial registered with www.clinicaltrials.gov (NCT03797313).

Surviving cardiac arrest - what do we know about recovery & survivorship?

PURPOSE OF REVIEW

There has been increasing interest in examining how cardiac arrest survivors and their families experience life after sudden cardiac arrest (SCA). Understanding their experiences provides a basis to study tools and interventions to improve short- and long-term recovery and rehabilitation.

RECENT FINDINGS

Qualitative interview and survey-style studies explored the lived experience of SCA survivors and revealed common themes (e.g., need for recovery expectations and long-term follow-up resources). A heightened awareness for the unique needs of family and loved ones of survivors led to qualitative studies focusing on these members as well. Methodology papers published portend prospective assessment and follow-up cohort studies. However, no investigations evaluating discharge processes or specific interventions directed at domain impairments common after SCA were identified in the review period. International work continues to identify patient and family-centered priorities for outcome measurement and research.

SUMMARY

In line with increased recognition of the importance for recovery and rehabilitation after SCA, there has been a commensurate increase in investigations documenting the needs of survivors and families surviving SCA. Pediatric and underserved populations continue to be understudied with regards to recovery after SCA.

Understanding Patients' Perceived Health After Critical Illness: Analysis of Two Prospective, Longitudinal Studies of ARDS Survivors

BACKGROUND

Perceived health is one of the strongest determinants of subjective well-being, but it has received little attention among survivors of ARDS.

RESEARCH QUESTION

How well do self-reported measures of physical, emotional, and social functioning predict perceived overall health (measured using the EQ-5D visual analog scale [EQ-5D-VAS]) among adult survivors of ARDS? Are demographic features, comorbidity, or severity of illness correlated with perceived health after controlling for self-reported functioning?

STUDY DESIGN AND METHODS

We analyzed the ARDSNet Long Term Outcomes Study (ALTOS) and Improving Care of Acute Lung Injury Patients (ICAP) Study, two longitudinal cohorts with a total of 823 survivors from 44 US hospitals, which prospectively assessed survivors at 6 and 12 months after ARDS. Perceived health, evaluated using the EQ-5D-VAS, was predicted using ridge regression and self-reported measures of physical, emotional, and social functioning. The difference between observed and predicted perceived health was termed perspective deviation (PD). Correlations between PD and demographics, comorbidities, and severity of illness were explored.

RESULTS

The correlation between observed and predicted EQ-5D-VAS scores ranged from 0.68 to 0.73 across the two cohorts and time points. PD ranged from -80 to +34 and was more than the minimum clinically important difference for 52% to 55% of survivors. Neither demographic features, comorbidity, nor severity of illness were correlated strongly with PD, with |r| < 0.25 for all continuous variables in both cohorts and time points. The correlation between PD at 6- and 12-month assessments was weak (ALTOS: r = 0.22, P < .001; ICAP: r = 0.20, P = .02).

INTERPRETATION

About half of survivors of ARDS showed clinically important differences in actual perceived health vs predicted perceived health based on self-reported measures of functioning. Survivors of ARDS demographic features, comorbidities, and severity of illness were correlated only weakly with perceived health after controlling for measures of perceived functioning, highlighting the challenge of predicting how individual patients will respond psychologically to new impairments after critical illness.

Using long-term predicted Quality of Life in ICU clinical practice to prepare patients for life post-ICU: A feasibility study

PURPOSE

To examine the feasibility of using the PREdicting PAtients' long-term outcome for Recovery (PREPARE) prediction model for Quality of Life (QoL) 1 year after ICU admission in ICU practice to prepare expected ICU survivors and their relatives for life post-ICU.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Between June 2020 and February 2021, the predicted change in QoL after 1 year was discussed in 25 family conferences in the ICU. 13 physicians, 10 nurses and 19 patients and/or family members were interviewed to evaluate intervention feasibility in ICU practice. Interviews were analysed qualitatively using thematic coding.

RESULTS

Patients' median age was 68.0 years, five patients (20.0%) were female and seven patients (28.0%) died during ICU stay. Generally, study participants thought the intervention, which clarified the concept of QoL through visualization and served as a reminder to discuss QoL and expectations for life post-ICU, had merit. However, some participants, especially physicians, thought the prediction model needed more data on more severely ill ICU patients to curb uncertainty.

CONCLUSIONS

Using predicted QoL scores in ICU practice to prepare patients and family members for life after ICU discharge is feasible. After optimising the model and implementation strategy, its effectiveness can be evaluated in a larger trial.

Reduced quality of life in ICU survivors - the story behind the numbers: A mixed methods study

PURPOSE

To gain insight into the daily functioning of ICU survivors who reported a reduced quality of life (QoL) one year after ICU admission.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

A two-phase mixed method study design. QoL was assessed using the SF-36 questionnaire before admission and after one year (Phase 1). Participants reporting a reduced QoL were invited for an in-depth interview (Phase 2). Interview data were coded thematically using the PROMIS framework.

RESULTS

Of the 797 participants, 173 (22%) reported a reduced QoL, of which 19 purposively selected patients were interviewed. In line with their questionnaire scores, most participants described their QoL as reduced. They suffered from physical, mental and/or cognitive problems, impacting their daily life, restricting hobbies, work, and social activities. A new balance in life, including relationships, had to be found. Some interviewees experienced no changes in their QoL; they were grateful for being alive, set new life priorities, and were able to accept their life with its limitations.

CONCLUSIONS

Reduction in QoL is due to physical, mental, and cognitive health problems, restricting participants what they want to do. However, QoL was not only affected by the critical illness, but also by factors including independency, comorbidity, and life events. Registration: NCT03246334 (clinical trials.gov).

Patients' and Their Caregivers' Interest in Learning About Post-ICU Syndrome and Seeking Help for It

Critical Illness Recovery Programs report low attendance. We aimed to provide information about postintensive care syndrome and to learn which patients would pursue help in a Critical Illness Recovery Clinic.

All patients who checked in to our Lung Center were given a survey regarding their ICU experience and offered information about postintensive care syndrome and an appointment in the clinic.

Nine hundred and twenty respondents reported having had an ICU experience: 37% of former ICU patients reported difficulty returning to their normal lives afterward compared with 21% who were family or close friends of a former ICU patient. Only 5% requested information and less than 1% requested a dedicated appointment.

More than one of three former ICU patients and one in five close friends or relatives of former ICU patients reported difficulty returning to their normal lives after their ICU experience. Very few pursued the opportunity to learn more about it or seek help.

Changes in Self-Rated Health After Sepsis in Older Adults: A Retrospective Cohort Study

BACKGROUND

As more individuals survive sepsis, there is an urgent need to understand its effects on patient-reported outcomes.

RESEARCH QUESTION

What is the effect of sepsis on self-rated health, and what role, if any, does functional disability play in mediating this effect?

STUDY DESIGN AND METHODS

We conducted a survey- and administrative claims-based retrospective cohort study using the US Health and Retirement Study, a nationally representative cohort-based survey of older adults in the United States, from 2000 through 2016. We matched Medicare beneficiaries hospitalized with sepsis in 2000 to 2008 to nonhospitalized individuals. Self-rated health and functional disability were tracked biannually for 8 years. Differences in self-rated health between the cohorts were measured using mixed models with and without controlling for changes in functional disability.

RESULTS

Seven hundred fifty-eight individuals with sepsis were matched 1:1 to 758 nonhospitalized individuals, all aged 65 years and older. Among survivors, sepsis was associated with worse self-rated health in years 2 and 4 (adjusted absolute difference in self-rated health on a 5-point scale in year 2: -0.24 [95% CI, -0.38 to -0.10] and year 4: -0.17 [95% CI, -0.33 to -0.02]) but not in years 6 or 8. After accounting for changes in functional status, the association between sepsis and self-rated health was still present but reduced in year 2 (adjusted absolute difference in self-rated health, -0.18 [95% CI, -0.31 to -0.05]) and was not present in years 4, 6, or 8.

INTERPRETATION

Self-rated health worsened initially after sepsis but returned to the level of that of nonhospitalized control subjects by year 6. Mitigating sepsis-related functional disability may play a key role in improving self-rated health after sepsis.