Abstract Rationale The time of hospital discharge after an ICU stay is a missed opportunity to improve the long-term outcomes of survivors. A structured discharge packet that provides information to support ICU survivors after discharge could improve recovery. The objective of this pilot study was to develop and evaluate the impact of a structured discharge packet on the physical, cognitive and psychosocial outcomes of ICU survivors at one-and-three months post hospital discharge. Methods This study evaluated the utilization and impact of a structured discharge packet that provided information about post intensive care syndrome (PICS). In this pre-post study, the pre-group received standard discharge instructions, and the post-group received the structured discharge packet and material in the packet was reviewed with participants prior to discharge. At one-and three-months post discharge both groups were evaluated for PICS, using the Healthy Aging Brain Care Monitor Self Report version (HABC-M SR) and data was collected on resource utilization. Results Pre-group had 16 participants with one participant lost at the three-month follow-up. 63% (n = 10) of participants were male. Participants ranged in age from 41-86 years old. One month mean PICS score 11.25, SD 12.29 and three month mean PICS score 8.67, SD 8.27. 53% (n = 8) of participants PICS scores decreased from their one-month to three-month follow-up. Post-group had 12 participants with one participant lost at the three-month follow-up. 83% (n = 10) of participants were male. Participants ranged in age from 57-84 years old. One-month mean PICS score 9.08, SD 13.40 and three-month mean PICS score 4.73, SD 4.45. PICS scores dropped in 55% (n = 6) of participants, 27% (n = 3) stayed the same and 18% (n = 2) increased from the one-three months follow-up. Overall, PICS scores at one-and three-months were lower for the post-group. Utilization of the packet information was low: 33% (n = 4) of participants reporting utilization at one month, 27% (n = 3) at 3 months. Only one participant reported reading packet information at both follow-up times. Conclusions Provision of information to patients about PICS prior to hospital discharge is feasible. Methods to enhance participant engagement and utilization of materials need to be evaluated. Given the small sample size and low utilization of materials, the impact of the intervention on PICS will need further study. This abstract is funded by: Marquette University SFF/RGG Grant
Calkins et al. (Fri,) studied this question.