Post-intensive Care Unit (ICU) Symptom Experiences in ICU Survivors: A Scoping Review

ObjectivesA growing number of intensive care unit (ICU) survivors experience persistent physical, cognitive, or mental health symptoms or impairments post-ICU discharge, collectively known as post-intensive care syndrome (PICS). Characterizing post-ICU symptom experiences is essential for understanding PICS from a patient-centered perspective and for designing effective interventions to improve long-term health outcomes. However, there is limited collation of existing literature on this topic. This scoping review aimed to map, collate, and synthesize existing knowledge about PICS symptom experiences (types and dimensions) in adult ICU survivors, including co-occurring symptoms, symptom relationships, and symptom clusters (co-occurring and related symptoms).MethodsWe conducted a systematic search of PubMed, CINAHL, PsycINFO, and SCOPUS for studies published in English that collected data between January 2020 and December 2023. Eligible studies were conducted in the United States, included adult (≥18 years) ICU survivors, and described two or more subjective, self-reported symptoms within one year of ICU discharge.ResultsOf 1278 articles screened, 13 studies met the inclusion criteria. Mental health symptoms, such as depression and anxiety, were the most commonly reported, appearing in 11 and 9 studies, respectively. Nine studies reported symptom prevalence, eight reported symptom intensity, and none reported symptom frequency, distress, or meaning. Among 13 studies reporting co-occurring symptoms, two studies reported symptom relationships, with one suggesting potential symptom clusters.ConclusionSignificant gaps remain in the literature regarding a comprehensive, patient-centered understanding of PICS symptom experiences. Future research should address symptom frequency, distress, meaning, as well as symptom relationships and clusters, to inform effective post-discharge symptom management interventions for ICU survivors.