This is no reference to Amy Winehouse!
We’re excited to announce an upcoming session at the Intensive Care Society’s SOA25 Congress in Birmingham. This second opening plenary will showcase the newly published NCEPOD study on rehabilitation and recovery following critical illness. The session will explore key findings, offer recommendations, and include a patient’s perspective on rebuilding life after critical care.
Book here….
The session will feature a distinguished panel, including Professor David McWilliams (Rehabilitation), Kate Tantam (Specialist Sister ICU Rehab), Lizzy Jordan (Paralympic Gold Medallist), Professor Zudin Puthucheary (Critical Care), Katie Nurcombe (CEO, Intensive Care Society), and Professor Stephen Brett (Critical Care). Together, they’ll provide a comprehensive look at how we can improve outcomes for ICU survivors.
The Importance of Rehabilitation in Critical Care
Rehabilitation in intensive care is crucial for improving long-term outcomes for patients. Studies have shown that up to 50-70% of ICU survivors experience significant physical, cognitive, or psychological challenges post-discharge, often referred to as Post-Intensive Care Syndrome (PICS). A landmark 2018 scoping review published in the Journal of Intensive Care examined 117 studies on physical rehabilitation interventions in the ICU, finding that such programs can improve physical function and reduce ICU stays by an average of 0.8 days and hospital stays by 1.75 days. Early rehabilitation, including mobility exercises, has also been shown to decrease the incidence of ICU-acquired weakness (ICUAW) by 30-40%, a condition that affects many long-stay ICU patients, as highlighted in a 2016 paper from the Journal of Physical Therapy.
PTSD and Critical Care: A Growing Concern
One of the most pressing implications of critical care recovery is the prevalence of Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD). Approximately 20-30% of ICU survivors develop PTSD within the first year after discharge, with rates as high as 50% in patients who experience delirium during their ICU stay. A 2018 review on early rehabilitation in the ICU emphasized the role of ICU diaries and early psychological interventions in reducing mental health complications like PTSD by up to 25%. When integrated into rehabilitation programs, these interventions improve quality of life and reduce healthcare costs by lowering readmission rates tied to untreated psychological conditions.
Landmark Research Shaping ITU Rehabilitation
Several landmark papers have shaped our understanding of ITU rehabilitation and will likely inform discussions at SOA25. A 2009 guideline from NICE on rehabilitation after critical illness in adults laid the foundation for structured rehab strategies, emphasizing the need for individualized programs to address physical and psychological outcomes. More recently, a 2023 guideline published in Critical Care developed 12 evidence-based recommendations for multimodal rehabilitation of PICS, advocating for interventions like inspiratory muscle training to improve strength and quality of life. Additionally, a 2017 quality improvement project from University Hospitals Birmingham, led by David McWilliams (a speaker at SOA25), demonstrated that early and structured rehabilitation for mechanically ventilated patients reduced hospital length of stay and improved functional outcomes, reinforcing the importance of early intervention.
Why This Session Matters
The NCEPOD study findings to be presented at SOA25 will build on this body of research, providing actionable insights for intensive care professionals. By focusing on both clinical recommendations and the patient experience, highlighted by Lizzy Jordan’s perspective, this session will inspire us to bridge the gap between critical care and meaningful recovery. Let’s ensure no patient is left behind in their journey to rebuild their life.
See you there……JW
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