Critical Care Clinicians' Knowledge of Post-Intensive Care Syndrome

Background: The term post-intensive care syndrome refers to a group of symptoms that commonly occur after intensive care unit discharge, leading to worsening physical or mental health. The incidence of this syndrome is increasing. Critical care clinicians can play a pivotal role in improving patient outcomes through knowledge of and symptoms. Objective: To explore critical care clinicians' current knowledge of post-intensive care syndrome as a basis for developing critical care educational interventions. observational pilot study was conducted to survey critical care physicians, nurses, nurse practitioners, and physician assistants at a university hospital on their knowledge of post-intensive care syndrome symptoms and risk factors and their confidence in their ability to recognize the condition. Results: A total of 51 clinicians completed the survey. The overall levels of knowledge and confidence regarding post-intensive care syndrome risk factors and symptoms were low, with no significant differences found by clinician role. Conclusions: These findings support the need for interprofessional education on post-intensive care syndrome risk factors and early identification of symptoms in the critical care setting.