Post-Intensive Care Syndrome: Nursing Assessment and Management – A Comprehensive Review

Abstract

Background: Advances in intensive care medicine have significantly improved survival rates among critically ill patients. However, increasing numbers of survivors experience persistent physical, cognitive, and psychological impairments that continue long after hospital discharge. These complications are collectively referred to as Post-Intensive Care Syndrome (PICS) and are increasingly recognized as a major public health concern affecting patients, families, healthcare systems, and society.

Objective: To critically review current evidence regarding the epidemiology, pathophysiology, risk factors, clinical manifestations, assessment approaches, preventive interventions, and nursing management of Post-Intensive Care Syndrome.

Methods: A comprehensive narrative review of peer-reviewed literature published between 2020 and 2025 was conducted. Relevant studies addressing ICU survivorship, rehabilitation, nursing interventions, ICU recovery programs, and long-term outcomes following critical illness were analyzed and synthesized.

Results: Evidence indicates that approximately 50–70% of ICU survivors develop one or more manifestations of PICS. Physical impairments include ICU-acquired weakness, reduced exercise tolerance, and functional disability. Cognitive dysfunction commonly affects memory, attention, and executive functioning, while psychological sequelae include anxiety, depression, and post-traumatic stress disorder. Emerging evidence supports the effectiveness of ICU liberation strategies, early rehabilitation, multidisciplinary follow-up programs, and nurse-led interventions in improving long-term recovery.

Conclusion: Post-Intensive Care Syndrome has emerged as a major consequence of critical illness survival. Nurses are central to prevention, early identification, rehabilitation, education, and long-term management. Evidence-based survivorship-focused care models are essential for optimizing recovery and improving quality of life among ICU survivors.