The influence of prolonged intensive care stay on quality of life, recovery, and clinical outcomes following cardiac surgery: A prospective cohort study

Abstract

Objective: To examine the influence of prolonged intensive care unit (ICU) stay on quality of life and recovery following cardiac surgery. Methods: Quality of life was assessed using the Short Form 36 Health Survey (SF36). The Postoperative Quality of Recovery Scale was used to assess quality of recovery, disability, and cognition after ICU discharge over 12 months’ follow-up. Prolonged ICU stay was defined as ≥3 postoperative days. Mortality and major adverse cardiac and cerebrovascular events were recorded up to 12 months. Results: For quality of life, the physical component improved over time in both groups (P <.01 for both groups), as did the mental component (P <.01 for both groups). Th..