Longitudinal Prospective Study in a Mixed ICU Population

For this study data will be collected using self-report questionnaires for the long-term outcome (e.g functional status) and several covariates (e.g., cognition, anxiety and depression, PTSD, QOL, general symptoms, frailty). To retrieve baseline data from prior ICU admission, family members will be used as proxy reporters at inclusion. During treatment in the ICU, patients will be mapped for 5 pre-selected symptoms every day for 7 days, or until death or ICU discharge. Several clinical variables (e.g., SOFA score, pain score, level of sedation, mobilization, medication, mouth care) will be collected daily until maximum 7 days. Follow-up data will be collected at 3, 6 and 12 months after ICU admission using self-report questionnaires.

The predictive value of pre-morbid condition prior to ICU admission on functional status during the first year after an ICU admission will be investigated, when controlled for various clinical and demographic variables. As a secondary analyses, the present study will identify both the occurrence of symptoms as well as the severity and distress of each symptom, while in the ICU. Another secondary outcome that will be measured in this longitudinal study is the association between cognitive function one year after an ICU admission and various mental health variables (PTSD, anxiety and depression).

Inclusion criteria

• Patients that are > 18 years and
• Meet the criteria of Norwegian Intensive Register (NIR) for being an intensive care patient. The criteria include any on the following criteria:
• The need of mechanical ventilation, or
• The need of continuous inotropi, or
• 24 hours or more on an ICU, when continuous monitoring is needed, or
• Dies at the ICU within the first 24 hours, or
• Transferred to another ICU within the first 24 hours

Exclusion criteria

• Re-admissions to the ICU (within 72 hours from last ICU discharge)
• Pre-defined cognitive deficit (e.g. dementia)
• Homeless
• Unable to read and Write Norwegian
• Not included in the study within the first 48 hours since admission to the ICU