Health-related quality of life of patients 12 months following surgical intensive care discharge

Health related quality of life (HRQoL) and the effect of selected socio-demographic and clinical intensive care variables on HRQoL of patients 12 months following adult surgical intensive care unit discharge in the Western Cape was evaluated. A prospective observational study was conducted. The sample comprised 46 patients who had survived 12 months following discharge. Structured telephonic interviews were conducted using a self-developed and SF-36v2 HRQoL questionnaire. Data was analyzed using Stastica 7 and values were accepted as significant at the 5% level. Low mean HRQoL domain scores (43% - 53%) were found implying a poor HRQoL outcome. Physical functioning [43.5%], Role Play [44.5%] and Role Emotion [43.1%] scores were specifically lower than the other HRQoL domain scores. Age and severity of illness scores (APACHE II) were significantly associated with the social functioning (p=0.01) and physical functioning (p=0.02) scores respectively. APACHE II may be a useful contributor in predicting long-term physical functioning outcomes in patients following surgical ICU discharge. The HRQoL outcomes are slightly lower than that found for international ICU populations however responses in the domains affected are comparable. Low physical functioning, role play and role emotion scores indicate a need for further physical and emotional rehabilitation following surgical ICU discharge.