Psychological wellbeing, health related quality of life and memories of intensive care and a specialised weaning centre reported by survivors of prolonged mechanical ventilation

Objective: To compare memories and recall of intensive care unit and specialised weaning centre admission, characterise health-related quality of life and psychological morbidity, and examine the relationship between delusional memories and psychological outcomes.

Methods: We recruited participants following hospitalisation that included ICU admission and subsequent weaning in a specialised centre. We administered validated questionnaires to assess memory and recall of both care locations, anxiety, depression, post-traumatic stress symptomatology and health-related quality of life.

Results: Of 53 eligible patients discharged from the weaning centre over seven years, we recruited 27 participants. Participants had similar numbers of factual and feeling memories but reported more delusional memories for ICU than the weaning centre (1.6 vs. 0.7, P=0.004). Nine (39%) participants scored ≥ 11 on the hospital anxiety and depression scale (anxiety) and were more likely to experience delusional memories (P=0.008). Thirst (70%), no control (70%), noise (65%) were most frequently recalled ICU experiences. Procedures (83%), night awakening (70%), inability to sleep (70%) most frequently recalled from the weaning centre.

Conclusion: Delusional memories and anxiety disorder were prevalent and associated suggesting interventions to ameliorate delusional memories may reduce anxiety. Difficulty sleeping and thirst were common experiences.