Justification:

Long-term survival and quality of life of patients that are discharged from intensive care units has become a frequent concerns because of the high incidence of cognitive and functional sequels suffered by this population. This paper presents data on survival and quality of life of a group of patients discharged from the intensive care unit; at time of discharge from the hospital and 28 days later. This study is part of a larger investigation that followed patients for total period of six months.

Method:

An observational, descriptive and prospective study with a duration of one year which followed patients discharged from the intensive care unit until 28 days after discharge. The information gathered included demographic and health status data that was collected on admission to the intensive care unit, at hospital discharge and 28 days later. The quality of life was evaluated measuring the patient´s independence and reintegration to work or normal activities.

Results:

A total of 120 patients were enrolled, 51% were men, the average age was 51 years, hospital mortality was 2% and mortality after 28 days was 3%. Most patients (41%) were admitted due to ischemic heart disease. The average hospital stay in the intensive care unit was 6.5 days and the average post- ICU hospital stay was 6 days. At 28 days after hospital discharge, 55% of patients had a proper reintegration, 26% had problems in two or more areas and 12.5% had problems in one area; 6.5% had total disability for reintegration. Those over 60 years had a better rate of reintegration (64%). Mortality after discharge was 5%.

Conclusion:

At 28 days, patients discharged from the intensive care unit had a high percentage of incomplete reintegration because they were still convalescing. Contrary to expectations, patients older than 60 years had a better reintegration and return to their basal conditions than younger ones.

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