Follow-up needs after paediatric critical care: A survey.

OBJECTIVES

This survey aims to describe the perceived needs for follow-up, and the actual follow-up received, by caregivers of Paediatric Intensive Care Unit (PICU) survivors. It explores PICU survivors' existing healthcare usage, primary care and specialist follow-up, and return to school and work for patients and their caregivers, respectively.

METHODS

A cross-sectional survey of patients surviving their PICU admission at a quaternary care children's hospital. Patients admitted less than 24 hours or who were not expected to survive were excluded. Descriptive statistics were used to describe characteristics and responses, and Likert scale responses were summarized.

RESULTS

Of the 139 patients consented, 62 (45%) completed the survey. Among children who attended school/daycare, 34% had not returned within 3 months of PICU discharge and 23% of those children returning to school required a new specialized education plan. Among employed caregivers, 38% had missed more than 1 month of employment. After discharge, 39% of patients had follow-up scheduled with a hospital specialist and 53% had new allied health follow-up. Of the respondents, 59% agreed or strongly agreed that follow-up after PICU would be beneficial for their child, and 84% agreed or strongly agreed that they would attend an in-person PICU follow-up appointment.

CONCLUSIONS

This survey demonstrates a perceived need for follow-up among some caregivers of PICU survivors, an ongoing reliance on healthcare services, and school absenteeism following PICU admission. Further work is required to better delineate the ideal timing and format of follow-up, as well as the population most likely to benefit.