[Changes in health-related quality of life after ICU according to diagnostic category. Comparison of two measurement instruments].
OBJECTIVE
Assessment of health related quality of life (HRQOL) before and 12 months after discharge from a mixed intensive care unit (ICU) according to diagnostic category and the relationship between both instruments.


METHODS
Prospective observational study.


METHODS
The combined medical/surgical ICU in a secondary university hospital with 450 beds.


METHODS
Patients admitted to the ICU over an 18-month period.


METHODS
Variables on demography, diagnosis on admission, severity of acute illness score (APACHE II), length of stay, procedures, mortality and the HRQOL were collected using the Short Form SF-36 and EQ-5D questionnaires. Health status prior to admission was evaluated retrospectively.


RESULTS
Both questionnaires were answered by 189 patients. A significant deterioration in the quality of life was observed 12 months after ICU discharge. Head injury and neurological patients had worse HRQOL one year after discharge. Multiple trauma patients presented severe physical limitations and pain, but without significant differences on the emotional level. The EQ Visual Analogue Scale and the EQ Index score showed clinically relevant differences in these three groups. Respiratory patients are the only group in whom the HRQOL improved. Comparison between both measurement instruments showed a strong correlation on the physical functioning level, but a weaker correlation on the emotional functioning one.


CONCLUSIONS
HRQOL assessment of ICU patients must be done according to a diagnostic category. Both instruments (the EQ-5D and SF-36) are capable of detecting changes in HRQOL. Despite differences in structure and content, both measure similar aspects of quality of life.
Badia Castelló
M
M
Servicio de Medicina Intensiva, Hospital Universitario Arnau de Vilanova, Lleida, España. marionabadia@wanadoo.es
Trujillano Cabello
J
J
Serviá Goixart
L
L
March Llanes
J
J
Rodríguez-Pozo
A
A
D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D003422:Critical Care; D003933:Diagnosis; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D007362:Intensive Care Units; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D011446:Prospective Studies; D011788:Quality of Life; D011795:Surveys and Questionnaires