Son Llàtzer University Hospital has opened a new Post-Intensive Care Syndrome (PICS) Clinic, a service created to detect, manage and prevent the long-term effects that may appear after a stay in the Intensive Care Unit (ICU). The initiative aims to support patients and their families throughout the recovery process, improving outcomes and overall quality of life after critical illness.

Post-intensive care syndrome includes physical, cognitive and emotional difficulties that can last for months and may affect up to 75% of patients who have been admitted to an ICU. These complications can hinder a return to normal daily activities and have significant clinical, social and economic impacts.

The clinic will be led by intensivist physicians Dr Catalina Forteza and Dr Catalina Rubert, both specialists in post-ICU follow-up.

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Son Llàtzer University Hospital launches a post-ICU clinic to support comprehensive patient recovery

The primary goal of the new service is early identification of risk factors and potential sequelae related to ICU admission, as well as structured monitoring of patients at risk of developing physical, cognitive or emotional impairments.

Another key component of the clinic is the coordination of a multidisciplinary team capable of addressing these conditions and referring patients to other specialists when necessary, ensuring comprehensive care.

The service also seeks to improve patient prognosis, facilitate return to daily and work activities, and reduce hospital readmissions and the comorbidities associated with post-ICU syndrome.

This new resource will additionally enhance the quality of ICU care through continuous feedback between the unit and the clinic, and will increase awareness and understanding of PICS among patients and their families.

As Dr Forteza and Dr Rubert explain, “recovery does not end when a patient leaves the ICU. Many are unaware of the issues that can arise after ca ritical illness. This clinic allows us to detect problems early and support patients throughout their recovery.”