Impact of a COVID-19 Related ICU Stay on Mental Health for Patients and Their Relatives

As ICU mortality has been significantly decreased over the last two decades, the focus has been shifting from short term (such as ICU and hospital mortality) to long-term outcome. This evolution has led to a new entity that has been established in 2012 at a stakeholder conference: the Post-Intensive Care Syndrome (PICS). It is defined as impairments in physical, cognitive and mental health status arising after critical illness and persisting beyond acute care hospitalisation. As family members of ICU patients may also be affected by mental health impairment, the PICS-F (F for Family) has been introduced simultaneously. It is expected that the COVID-19 pandemic will result in a significant increase of the proportion of patients and relatives suffering PICS and PICS-F, as there is during the COVID-19 related ICU-stay exposure to a high number of risk factors for developing these entities. This Post Intensive Care Syndrome in COVID-19 survivors (PICOVIDS) study is an observational, single-center exploratory follow-up cohort study that aims to get insight into the mental impact of a COVID-19 related ICU stay for COVID-19 ICU survivors and their family members, 18 months after ICU discharge. Specific research questions are: 1. What is the prevalence of symptoms of depression, anxiety and Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) and what is the prevalence of these specific disorders in COVID-19 ICU-survivors and their relatives 18 months after ICU-discharge? 2. What are important risk factors for these symptoms and disorders? 3. What is the satisfaction level of patient and caregiver about the ICU care: How did they experience ICU stay?