Implementation of an ICU follow-up clinic: outcomes and patient satisfaction after 1 year

Abstract

Introduction The aim was to analyse the outcomes and patient satisfaction of a recently implemented ICU follow-up clinic. These clinics are National Institute for Clinical Excellence recommended [1]. Methods A retrospective analysis of prospective collected data from January to December 2012. The clinic is run monthly by an ICU consultant and a critical care outreach sister. Criteria to be invited to the clinic are mechanical ventilation ≥3 days. Patients f lled an anonymous satisfaction survey after the clinic. Results Our attendance rate is 50% (26 patients), which is similar to other series reported in the literature. Those patients who attended the clinic required a longer length of mechanical ventilation (5.3 days vs. 7.1) and a longer length of stay in the ICU (7.6 vs. 13) and in hospital (14 vs. 28). We identif ed a wide range of physical and nonphysical morbidities on these patients (Figure 1). We referred them to the appropriate specialities. Patients were very satisf ed with this new service (Figure 2). (GRAPH PRESENTED) Conclusion Our follow-up clinic has enabled us to identify a wide range of complications related to ICU admission and coordinate their future management. This clinic improved patient satisfaction.