Post-ICU consultation: an indispensable tool in 2022

Abstract

For several years, there has been a growing interest in the follow-up of intensive care unit (ICU) survivors and their families by dedicated post-ICU consultations. The need to identify specific pathologies occurring after a stay in the ICU, such as post-ICU syndrome (PICS) in survivors or their families has led to the implementation of screening and follow-up pathways, of which post-ICU consultations are an essential component. Post-ICU consultations can contribute to rehabilitation after an ICU stay, but is also vital for the improvement of the quality of care in the ICU. Indeed, the post-ICU consultation is a unique opportunity to obtain the patient’s feedback, with a view to orienting management and discussions about the patient’s healthcare goals. Accordingly, all the stakeholders (patient, family, healthcare professionals) are affected by and should be involved in the post-ICU consultation, from before admission through to the post-ICU period, and encompassing the ICU stay itself. Ideally, pluriprofessional, multidisciplinary post-ICU consultations should be integrated into the routine activity of ICUs, and represents one of the greatest current challenges for the specialty.