ArticleJournal of intensive care2024
Long-term prevalence of PTSD symptom in family members of severe COVID-19 patients: a serial follow-up study extending to 18 months after ICU discharge.
Article in Journal of intensive care, 2024. The graph could read no effect estimate from its abstract, so it casts no vote on the map. Cited by 3 papers.
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Who cites it
3 citing papers in PubMed.
- Beyond the ICU: family resilience and emotional turmoil after intensive care - a qualitative study.International journal of qualitative studies on health and well-being · 2026Article
- Hidden Burden of ICU: Patient-Perceived Stressors After Cardiothorasic Surgery.Journal of clinical medicine · 2026Article
- Exploring Video Calls and PTSD Symptoms in Family Members of Severe COVID-19 Patients Post-ICU Discharge: A Mixed-Methods Study.Nursing in critical care · 2025Article
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Authors and funding
4 authors.
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Abstract
backgroundExperiencing a loved one's stay in the intensive care unit (ICU) can profoundly affect families, often leading to post-intensive care syndrome-family (PICS-F), a condition particularly exacerbated during the COVID-19 pandemic. While PICS-F significantly impacts the mental health of families of ICU patients, especially in the context of COVID-19, the long-term effects beyond 12 months remain understudied. This study aims to explore the prevalence of PTSD-related symptoms and health-related quality of life (HRQOL) in family members up to 18 months after ICU discharge.
methodsThis prospective study, conducted in a tertiary university hospital in Tokyo, enrolled family members of severe COVID-19 ICU patients (July 2020 to June 2022 with final follow-up ending in December 2023). The primary outcome was family member symptoms of PTSD at 6, 12 and 18 months after ICU discharge, measured by the Impact of Events Scale-Revised (presence of PTSD symptoms defined by score > 24). Secondary outcomes were family member symptoms of anxiety and depression, sleep disorders, and health-related quality of life (HRQOL) at the same timepoint.
resultsAmong 97 enrolled family members, 68 participated. At least one PTSD-related symptom was reported by 26% of family members, persisting over 18 months post-discharge (16% at 6 months, 23% at 12 months, and 25% at 18 months). A subgroup (15%) exhibited delayed-onset PTSD symptoms. Family members with PTSD-related symptoms reported lower HRQOL, especially in mental and social components.
conclusionsThe study underscores the importance of long-term support for family members post-ICU discharge, given the sustained prevalence of PTSD-related symptoms among family members of severe COVID-19 patients.
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