Read on Twitter
Got a call from a GP lamenting the lack of information on 'what patients are like after being in ICU'.
Spoke to the Public Health Nurse for the patient's area also.
'we literally have no idea what to expect'.
Fair point.
@ICSIreland @WFPICCS @ICGPnews @TCDPaeds
Spoke to the Public Health Nurse for the patient's area also.
'we literally have no idea what to expect'.
Fair point.
@ICSIreland @WFPICCS @ICGPnews @TCDPaeds
On reflection, there is almost no professional or educational contact between community or family practice and critical care medicine, after medical school.
Yet GP is often the first doctor to recognise how sick patient is, or likely to become. Not an easy call.
@MedCouncilIRL
Yet GP is often the first doctor to recognise how sick patient is, or likely to become. Not an easy call.
@MedCouncilIRL
Weeks or months in ICU pass, GP receives care of patient. They may have variety of new medical issues, medications, surgical dressings, speech, swallowing and mobility issues. Psychological issues may loom large in the picture of an utterly changed person to before. @UCDMedicine
ICU Steps http://www.icusteps.org is a voluntary support group for former ICU patients. Support is provided by intensive care nurses in their spare time. Incredibly generous and valuable resource. It's for patients and their families, and they have a facebook group also. @SCCM
This is especially relevant in the coronavirus pandemic, with greater awareness of the role of intensive care management. But perhaps it has always been a thorn in the side of our colleagues in General Practice? @NicolaBlacknb @susanmsmith @DrSumiDunne @DrWilliamBehan
