Patients' outcomes after acute respiratory failure: A qualitative study with the promis framework

Background As mortality rates for patients treated in intensive care units decrease, greater understanding of the impact of critical illness on patients' well-being is needed. Objective To describe the survivorship experience of patients who had acute respiratory failure by using the Patient Reported Outcomes Measurement Information System (PROMIS) framework. Methods A total of 48 adult patients who had acute respiratory failure completed at least 1 semistructured telephone-based interview between 5 and 18 months after their stay in the intensive care unit. Participants were asked about overall well-being and important health outcomes. Results Major themes were identified within each of the 3 PROMIS components: physical health, mental health, and social health. The following themes were particularly prominent: mobility impairments, pulmonary symptoms, fatigue, anxiety and depression symptoms, and decreased ability to work and participate in valued activities. Impacts on overall well-being and on relationships with friends and family members varied among the survivors. Some survivors reported gratitude, increased appreciation of life, and closer relationships to loved ones. Other survivors reported boredom, social isolation, and wishing they had not survived. Conclusions Survivors of acute respiratory failure reported substantial issues with their physical, mental, and social health. Holistic assessments of outcomes of survivors of critical illness should capture the complex beneficial and adverse impacts of critical illness on survivors' well-being and social health.