Follow-up after intensive care treatment: a questionnaire survey of intensive care aftercare in Denmark

Background: Rehabilitation efforts after treatment in the intensive care unit (ICU) are termed intensive care aftercare. It includes both early in-hospital follow-up after ICU-discharge and late follow-up after hospital discharge. This study aims to investigate the current ICU-aftercare activities in Denmark.

Methods: We conducted an electronic questionnaire survey, which was distributed by e-mail to the heads of all 31 general ICUs in Denmark. Specialized ICUs were not included. The questionnaire was divided into the following sections: early ICU-aftercare, late ICU-aftercare, future development and demographics.

Results: Thirty-one ICUs were invited to participate. The response rate was 100%. Overall, 26 of 31 ICUs (84%) offered ICU-aftercare, with the following distribution: early ICU-aftercare (58%), late ICU-aftercare (57%) and both (29%). There were no significant associations between hospital size and provision of ICU-aftercare. For early ICU-aftercare, the most common eligibility criteria were based on ICU length of stay (LOS) (44%) and a decision based upon doctors' discretion (22%). Incidence of guidelines for early ICU-aftercare (44%) and checklists at patient contact (35%) were sparse. The most common early ICU-aftercare items were as follows: respiratory care (82%), tracheostomy care (59%) and nutritional care (59%). For late ICU-aftercare, the most common eligibility criterion was LOS (41%). Guidelines (71%), but not checklist at patient contact (35%), were more common. Most frequent late ICU-aftercare interventions were review of ICU-diaries (59%) and patient charts (53%).

Conclusion: Eighty-four per cent of Danish ICUs offered ICU-aftercare to their patients. There was an abundant heterogeneity of eligibility criteria and ICU-aftercare interventions.