Improving monitoring and follow-up of patients after critical illness
Survivors of critical illness often face ongoing physical, cognitive, and psychological challenges during their recovery. By closely monitoring these patients after their discharge from the intensive care unit (ICU), we can gain a deeper understanding of their needs and develop tailored interventions to improve their long-term health outcomes. Our research group is currently conducting several studies to contribute to this important field.
The REFLECT study is a multicentre, mixed methods exploratory study that examines ward care delivery for patients discharged from the ICU. This study aims to identify areas for improvement in care delivery and develop interventions to enhance patient outcomes. The TrAFFIC study focuses on detecting recurrence of atrial fibrillation (AF) in patients who develop AF during their ICU stay. Understanding this condition may help clinicians develop targeted interventions to reduce the risks associated with AF after during and after critical illness. Lastly, the OPTIC-19 study investigates the long-term health effects of severe COVID-19 infection in patients who survived treatment in an ICU, aiming to inform appropriate care for COVID-19 survivors after they leave the hospital.
An essential aspect of improving monitoring and follow-up for patients after critical illness is the use of physiological monitoring with wearable monitors. These devices enable continuous, non-invasive monitoring of vital signs, such as heart rate, blood pressure, and oxygen saturation levels, after patients are discharged from the hospital. By using wearable monitors, healthcare providers can detect potential complications or deteriorations in a patient's condition early, allowing for timely interventions and better management of post-discharge care. Our research group is committed to exploring the potential benefits of these innovative technologies and integrating them into the care pathways for patients recovering from critical illness.