Post-ICU Clinic

Abstract

Increasing numbers of patients survive critical illness. Survivors of critical illness are at risk of post-intensive care syndrome (PICS). Post-ICU clinics are one way to help patients with PICS and to assist patients in their recovery progress. We report herein how we have structured our ICU recovery clinic and highlight important elements to consider when evaluating patients in a post-ICU clinic, including a new mnemonic, IMPORTANCE: ICU debriefing, medications and immunizations, PICS evaluation, organ failure assessment, referrals, testing, addressing future goals of care, needs assessment, caregiver support, and education about expectations. We present a case study from our ICU recovery clinic. Finally, we discuss future directions of post-ICU clinics.