A qualitative study exploring the impact of alcohol use disorders on recovery from ICU

Learning Objectives: Alcohol related admissions to critical care are increasing. However, there is uncertainty about the optimum rehabilitation approach for this group of patients and the impact which alcohol use disorders have on recovery. This study aimed to explore the impact of alcohol use disorders on recovery from intensive care.<p></p> Methods: Patients who had been ventilated for greater than 72 hours in one University teaching hospital were recruited. Data was collected using in depth semi structured interviews with patients three to seven months post ICU discharge. On admission to the ICU patients were allocated to one of three alcohol groups: low risk; harmful/hazardous or alcohol dependency. Patients from each of the three study groups were purposively sampled and data analysis was undertaken using Interpretative Phenomenological Analysis. Analysis explored both the similarities and differences between the three study groups.<p></p> Results: 21 patients were interviewed over 12 months. six patients from the low risk group; six patients from the harmful/hazardous group and nine patients with from the alcohol dependency group. These interviews focused on the patient’s experience of intensive care and recovery from critical illness, including the impact of alcohol use disorders. Four themes which impacted on recovery from ICU were identified in this patient group: psychological resilience; impact and support for activities of daily living; social support and cohesion and the impact of alcohol use disorders on recovery.<p></p> Conclusions: There is a significant interplay between alcohol misuse and recovery from critical illness, with haphazard approaches to rehabilitation. A more targeted rehabilitation pathway for all patients leaving critical care, with specific emphasis on alcohol misuse if appropriate, needs to be generated.<p></p&gt