Critically ill or injured patients may require ICU care for a brief
or extended period of time. Patients who require ICU care for
extended periods of time usually have sustained a grave illness or
injury. Episodes of medical and/or surgical instability, a sea of
emotions, and a series of frustrating events typically unfold during
an ICU patient's course. However, most people who are admitted to an
ICU (80-95% depending on the type of ICU) recover and ultimately
return home.
Whether a patient has a short or prolonged ICU stay, the transition
out of the ICU will be accompanied by mixed emotions. During their
ICU stay, patients are intensely monitored with continuous vital
signs, bedside monitoring, and constant nurse and physician
attention. The transition out of the ICU usually means that the
patient is improving and that the intensity of physician and nursing
care will decrease: joy and concern simultaneously.
This is a challenging time for all involved, including the patient.
The decision to move a patient from the ICU is one that entails
careful thought and consideration of multiple factors, a team
decision. Even under the best of circumstances some patients will
need to return to the ICU because of unexpected or unforeseeable
events. ICU patients may be moved to one of the following areas:
Click on the appropriate section to learn more about unique aspects
and considerations of each option for post-ICU care.
However, 5-20% of ICU patients do not recover and a greater number
have a reduced life expectancy. Therefore, realistically, you may
have to cope with the loss of a loved one sooner than anticipated.
To help you through that difficult time, we provide appropriate
guidance and information. To learn more about this subject, click on
Loss of a Loved One.
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