Abstract
Post-intensive care syndrome (PICS) refers to a constellation of cognitive, psychiatric and physical symptoms experienced by patients during and following a period of critical illness. As many as 50% of intensive care unit (ICU) survivors are affected, and symptoms can persist for months to years. When psychological symptoms are experienced by patients' loved ones, this is termed PICS-family (PICS-F). The aim of this article is to summarise the key facets of PICS and PICS-F with a focus on incidence and pathophysiology. DISCUSSION: The amalgam of symptoms in PICS has aprofound impact on the quality of life of affected ICU survivors. The number of patients with PICS is expected to rise considerably as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic. Primary care practitioners are ideally situated to assist in early diagnosis and treatment.
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