On 12th June 2025 NCEPOD released their much awaited report into Rehabilitation following critical illness - a review of the quality of rehabilitation care after an ICU admission.
Many patients who are admitted to intensive care units (ICU) will make a good recovery, but we know the impact of such illness can have long-lasting effects on an individuals. The need for ongoing rehabilitation to support recovery is critical.
The report highlights the need for organisations to recognise the importance of rehabilitation, not just within intensive care units, but ongoing across all speciality areas, wards and continuing in the community.
Some of the key messages include:
- Better coordination is needed for rehabilitation of patients throughout the recovery journey
- The importance of realistic, patient led goals
- Ongoing rehabilitation needs/goals need to be shared between healthcare providers as patients move through their pathway
- Are being cared for by imposters
- Information for patients, and their families, about ICU admissions and any lasting effects and impact needs improvement
ICUsteps is proud to have contributed to this report and are delighted to see this report published, focusing on the needs of the patient and highlighting the importance of rehabilitation. We hope the findings of this report and its recommendations can be a real catalyst for change to improve outcomes for survivors of critical illness.