Authors (including presenting author) :
Leung KKY(1),Tung KTS(2),Tsang HW(2),Ku SW(1),Hui WF(1),Cheung WL(1),Chung FS(1),Cheung WK(3),Wong YCQ(3),Ip P(2),Hon KL(1)
Affiliation :
(1)Paediatric Intensive Care Unit, Hong Kong Children’s Hospital,(2)Department of Paediatrics and Adolescent Medicine, University of Hong Kong, (3) Research Office, Hong Kong Children's Hospital
Introduction :
Advancements in Paediatric Intensive Care have transitioned from saving lives to enabling better, more functional lives. Despite the optimal care and support provided, PICU survival can be a very stressful experience for both the child and their families, with the potential for substantial long-term impact on their quality of life.
Objectives :
To identify the potential impact of PICU admission on the quality of life and psychological sequelae on patients and their family.
Methodology :
Prospective observational study of Chinese children aged 2 to 18 years old admitted to the Hong Kong Children’s Hospital PICU over a 6-month period (November 2021-April 2022). Patients’ health-related quality of life were assessed using Paediatric Quality of Life Inventory (PedsQL) questionnaire. Parents’ psychological status were assessed using the Depression,Anxiety,Stress Scale21 (DASS21). Assessments were carried out upon PICU admission, at PICU discharge, at hospital discharge, and 6-months after PICU discharge.
Result & Outcome :
31 patients and their families were enrolled. The mean physical and psychological PedsQL summary score at PICU discharge were significantly lower (i.e., worse) than the pre-admission status(p< 0.05). At hospital discharge, only the mean physical PedsQL summary scores were significantly lower than the pre-admission status(p< 0.05). At 6-month follow-up, no significant differences in both physical and psychological PedsQL summary scores were found when compared to the pre-admission status. The DASS21 score reflecting the psychological status of the parents were highest at PICU discharge and lowest at 6-months follow up. The changes of DASS21 were not significantly different across the four time-points.
Conclusions
Our provisional findings indicate that PICU survival can significantly impact the patient’s physical health, psychological wellbeing and quality of life, particularly at PICU discharge. The effects observed subside over time and patients largely return to baseline conditions at 6-month after PICU discharge. Additionally, the psychological impact on the parents were found to be highest at PICU discharge. Healthcare providers should bear in mind the potential physical and psychological burden of the PICU experience on critically ill patients and their families.
