76% of Palma ICU patients face after-effects

At Son Llàtzer University Hospital in Palma, 76% of patients followed after intensive care showed after-effects from critical illness. On 24 September, the hospital presented its first results from a specialist follow-up clinic run by intensive-care doctors Cati Rubert and Catalina Forteza. The service aims to spot problems early after patients leave hospital and arrange treatment.

The clinic focuses on people at risk of physical, psychological or cognitive problems after a long stay in intensive care. The hospital calls the condition post-intensive care syndrome, or SPCI. Muscle weakness, psychological changes and cognitive impairment were the most common problems found.

45 patients followed in six months

In its first six months, the clinic followed 45 patients and held 73 specialist consultations. It also works with primary care and other hospital departments to tailor care and refer patients to further specialists where needed.

Rubert and Forteza said more people now survive critical illness because intensive-care medicine has advanced. Their aim is to make sure survival is followed by the best possible recovery, with problems found and tackled sooner.

Recovery continues after discharge

Leaving hospital did not end the need for medical care for many patients. During the period studied, 27% went to the emergency department and 24% needed to be admitted again.

Patients gave the clinic a 96% satisfaction rating, while relatives rated it 99%. Son Llàtzer says the follow-up model strengthens continuity of care and supports the quality of life of people who have survived critical illness.

Topics: Health

Source: Europa Press / Mallorca.com