Health Outcomes of COVID-19 ICU Survivors: A Review Article

Hadi Hayat

doi:10.18502/jppm.v9i4.14610

Hadi Hayat Assistant Professor, Razi Herbal Medicines Research Center, Lorestan University of Medical Sciences, Khorramabad, Iran

DOI: https://doi.org/10.18502/jppm.v9i4.14610

Keywords: Quality of Life; ICU Survivors; COVID-19; Outcome

Abstract

Introduction: The COVID-19 pandemic has led to a significant number of patients requiring ICU admission. Survivors of COVID-19 who have been treated in the ICU may experience a decrease in their quality of life (QOL) due to physical, psychological, and social consequences. This review study aims to evaluate the QOL of ICU survivors of the COVID-19 pandemic.

Methods: To conduct this review, a systematic literature search was performed using the PubMed, Scopus, and Cochrane Library databases. Studies published between January 2020 and July 2023 were included in this review. The search strategy included keywords such as COVID-19, Intensive Care Units, Survivors, Quality of Life, Outcome Measures.

Results: The initial search identified 113 studies, of which 16 met the inclusion criteria and were included in this review. The QOL of ICU survivors of the COVID-19 pandemic was found to be significantly lower than that of the general population, with physical, psychological, and social impairments being the most commonly reported consequences. The use of rehabilitation interventions, such as early mobility and exercise, were found to improve QOL in ICU survivors of the COVID19 pandemic.

Conclusion: COVID-19 patients who require hospitalization and ICU admission may experience short-term and long-term physical, cognitive, emotional, and societal complications and effects after hospital discharge. These complications can significantly impact the patients' health-related quality of life, physical functioning, and psychological well-being.