SHM Converge Scientific Abstract ePoster Gallery-Quality of Life Outcomes for Covid-19 Critical Illness Survivors

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This retrospective study examined functional, psychological, cognitive, and quality-of-life outcomes in 39 adult survivors of severe COVID-19 ARDS who required invasive mechanical ventilation in a safety-net hospital. Patients were evaluated months after discharge through a physiatry clinic in 2021, with screening tools including PHQ-9, GAD-7, PCL-C, PICS survey, and the Satisfaction with Life Scale (SWLS).<br /><br />Most patients had significant recovery in the functional domain: 38 were independent in activities of daily living (ADLs) before illness, 16 at hospital discharge, and 34 by follow-up. Most regained community-level ambulation and ADL independence, though fewer were employed during follow-up, suggesting lingering functional or socioeconomic consequences.<br /><br />Psychologically, average PHQ-9 score was 6.3, consistent with mild depression, with moderate variability. One patient had a pre-existing depressive disorder, and some patients showed new mild depression and moderate PTSD symptoms on survey.<br /><br />In the cognitive domain, 5 patients (12.8%) reported subjective memory concerns, but formal cognitive testing was not performed. Quality of life was generally mild to normal on average, with SWLS score 25.7, though responses varied widely.<br /><br />The cohort was largely white Hispanic, underinsured or on indigent care plans, and many lacked prior regular healthcare access. Limitations included the small, highly motivated sample, retrospective design, and limited generalizability to all critically ill COVID-19 ARDS survivors.<br /><br />Overall, the study suggests notable resilience among survivors of critical COVID-19 illness, but persistent morbidity remains common in psychological, cognitive, and quality-of-life domains. The findings support further research into post-intensive care syndrome and preventive strategies to reduce long-term effects.

Asset Subtitle

Anita Hegde

Meta Tag

Author List Anita Hegde, Emily Marquez, Imran Murtuza, Mary Hon, Rupali Kumar, Surendra Barshikar

Category Research

Concept COVID-19 ARDS

Concept Survivor Functional Outcomes

Concept Psychological Outcomes

Concept Quality of Life

Concept Study Limitation

Distinguished Non-Finalist

Presenter Organization UT Southwestern Medical Center, Parkland Health

Presenting Author Anita Hegde

Track Other

Keywords

COVID-19 ARDS

mechanical ventilation

post-intensive care syndrome

functional recovery

psychological outcomes

cognitive concerns

quality of life

PHQ-9

GAD-7

PTSD symptoms

COVID-19 ARDS

Survivor Functional Outcomes

Psychological Outcomes

Quality of Life

Study Limitation