Experiences and quality of life (QOL) after admission to an intensive care unit (ICU) due to an acute exacerbation in chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD)

Introduction: Thus far, patients9 experiences during and after an ICU admission received little attention in COPD research. This qualitative study explored experiences of COPD patients with ICU admission due to an exacerbation, and its impact on QOL. Previous quantitative studies revealed a poor quality of life. Methods: Data were obtained from in-depth interviews, using a semi-structured interview scheme based on the Hierarchical Quality of Life Model. Eight COPD patients admitted to the ICU due to an exacerbation in the period of 1 September 2012 to 1 January 2014 and 5 relatives were interviewed. The audiotaped interviews were transcribed and analyzed using open and selective coding, with an inter-rater reliability of .80. Results: Although the majority reported decreased physical functioning and some reported impaired psychological functioning, patients scored their QOL after ICU admission positive. Little changes were mentioned in social contact, daily life and the transition to the home situation. All patients had few memories of the actual ICU stay, whereas patients9 relatives perceived the time on the ICU as stressful. Patients and their relatives experienced the contact with ICU personnel mostly positive. Conclusion: The impact of ICU admission due to a COPD exacerbation on the QOL has lower impact than suggested by previous, primarily quantitative studies. Although patients do report a deterioration in physical and psychological functioning, this does not seem to affect their perceived QOL.