INTRODUCTION:The long-term mental health impact of severe COVID-19 is unknown. Characterizing the psychological effects of severe COVID-19 is necessary in order to anticipate post-discharge needs and optimize recovery after admission.
METHODS:This is a prospective cohort study of adult patients admitted to the intensive care unit (ICU) due to COVID-19 at two academic medical centers in Los Angeles and discharged between March 1, 2020 and December 31, 2020. Patients and caregivers received telephone calls asking them to complete mailed surveys three to six months after hospital discharge. The survey included the Patient-Reported Outcomes Measurement Information System (PROMIS®)-29 Profile v2.1 and Cognitive Function Short Form 8a V2.0 measures, and the UCLA Loneliness Scale. PROMIS scales are scored on a T-score metric (mean of 50 in the U.S. general population) with higher score indicating higher severity. The UCLA Loneliness Scale ranges from 3-9; scores 3-5 are interpreted as not lonely and 6-9 lonely. The survey also assessed satisfaction with receiving aggressive life-sustaining treatment.
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