Research needs and strategies to establish best practices and cost effective models for chronic critical illness.
Past research in chronic critical illness has been effective in defining the population and identifying unique aspects of their outcomes and resource needs, but there has been little research focused on interventions to improve outcomes. This review discusses some research priorities  that could have immediate impact on patient outcomes. General topics include prevention or limiting the incidence of chronic critical illness; specific topics related to patient management, such as interventions for weaning, rehabilitation, nutrition or infections; and methods to enhance communication  and end-of-life care. In addition to specific patient management interventions, further comparative effectiveness research on care settings is indicated, considering the expected growth in the patient population and the substantial resource needs.
Division of Pulmonary and Critical Care Medicine, University of North Carolina School of Medicine, Chapel Hill, North Carolina 27599, USA. scarson@med.unc.edu
Shannon S
SS
Carson
D019985:Benchmarking; D002908:Chronic Disease; D057186:Comparative Effectiveness Research; D016638:Critical Illness / Q000191:economics / Q000628:therapy*; D003693:Delirium / Q000517:prevention & control; D006302:Health Services Research; D006801:Humans; D020380:Needs Assessment; D012106:Research; D013727:Terminal Care; D014139:Tracheostomy