ORLANDO, Fla. — A University of Central Florida researcher is advocating for federal recognition of a little-known condition that can follow patients home from the intensive care unit.
Brian Peach, a researcher with the UCF College of Nursing, is among the group that formally proposed creating a specific diagnosis code for post-intensive care syndrome, or PICS.
The proposal was presented to the federal ICD-10 Coordination and Maintenance Committee in March. The committee, co-chaired by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention’s National Center for Health Statistics and the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services, reviews proposed changes to the nation’s medical coding system.
The proposal submitted to the CDC argues that the lack of a unified code makes it difficult to determine the prevalence of PICS and can hinder screening, diagnosis, and coordination of care.
The proposal is now awaiting federal approval.
PICS can include physical weakness, memory problems, anxiety, depression, and PTSD that develop or worsen following a critical illness.
Orlando resident Cheryl Thompson experienced those effects after an outpatient surgery led to sepsis, cardiac arrest, and nine days in a medically induced coma.
After surviving the medical emergency and returning home, Thompson said she began experiencing panic attacks and reminders of her time in the ICU.
“I would hear these sounds that reminded me of the ICU bed inflating and deflating,” Thompson said. “It brought me right back to the ICU.”
Peach said an estimated 50% to 80% of ICU survivors experience PICS.
“When somebody’s life is saved, we want them to have a good quality of life after they leave the ICU, and what we’re recognizing is that is not happening,” Peach said.
For Thompson, one of the biggest challenges was not knowing what to expect after leaving the hospital.
Catherine Garrett is another ICU survivor living with long-term effects.
She suffered a rare pregnancy complication and a stroke and spent nine days in a coma. Seven years later, she remains in occupational therapy.
“Even if there’s a smile on my face, I’m in pain,” Garrett said.
She hopes greater awareness will help other ICU survivors recognize that the symptoms they experience after leaving the hospital may be shared by others.
“I want survivors to know they’re not alone,” Garrett said. “We’re here to support you.”
Survivors and their families can also connect with others and find resources at the Walk for PICS Orlando from 8 to 10 a.m. Saturday at Blue Jacket Park.
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