Publication date: Mar 23, 2025

BackgroundOver half of ICU survivors experience post intensive care syndrome (PICS). Few PICS clinics were operational in the United States at the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic. Here we describe early experience of such a clinic at a large academic medical center. Our objective was to describe the (a) model of care (b) clinic interventions (c) short-term cognitive, psychiatric, and functional outcomes (d) one-year outcomes of COVID-19 ICU survivors at the Cleveland Clinic post-ICU recovery clinic (PIRC). MethodsWe conducted a retrospective cohort study through a chart review of all patients seen in PIRC from April 2020 – December 2020. A total of 59 patients completed the visit with 49% being virtual, and 51% being in-person. The cohort was predominantly white (50. 8%), and male (57. 6%) with a median age of 58. 2 years. We screened for cognitive and psychiatric impairments using several different validated questionnaires. Functional impairments were self-reported and detected after assessment by a physical therapist. Quantifiable clinic interventions were referrals, pharmacy medication reconciliation, and vaccine administration. One-year outcomes were health care utilization, and death. ResultsIn our cohort, 36%, 39. 6%, and 17% of patients screened positive for cognitive impairment, anxiety and/or depression, and PTSD respectively. 42. 3% of patients had lower extremity mobility impairment. 57. 6% of patients required at least one referral after clinic. Of the 67. 9% of patients who were working and 93. 9% driving prior to hospitalization, only 24. 6% and 73. 2% had returned to those activities, respectively. The most common pharmacy intervention was discontinuation of a medication no longer in use. By one year, 34% of patients had hospital re-admissions with 5% requiring the ICU. There were no deaths. ConclusionsAdult survivors of COVID-19 critical illness have impairments in all PICS domains as well as high health care utilization in the first year after hospital discharge. MeSH TermsPost intensive care syndrome, COVID-19Key Points/SummaryAdult survivors of COVID-19 critical illness have impairments in all PICS domains as well as high health care utilization in the first year after hospital discharge. Post-ICU recovery clinics can help survivors with recovery.

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