Acute respiratory distress syndrome is associated with long-term physical impairments. Although readmission is common, little is known about the impact of readmissions on the physical status of this population. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the association between hospital readmission, with or without an intensive care unit stay, and physical status in survivors of acute respiratory distress syndrome. The exposure was hospital readmission, categorized as (1) no readmission, (2) readmitted 1 or more times without an intensive care unit stay, or (3) readmitted 1 or more times with an intensive care unit stay. The incidence of readmission was assessed during years 3, 4, and 5 of the study. The outcome was physical decline or death. Decline was evaluated via 3 separate measures: muscle strength, exercise capacity, and self-reported physical function. Of the 132 survivors, 64% (n = 84) had 1 or more readmissions and 27% (n = 35) of them had 1 or more intensive care unit stays. Rates of decline in the year prior were similar regardless of readmission status in the current year. Multivariable logistic regression models indicated that readmission without an intensive care unit stay versus no readmission was not significantly associated with decline. Readmission with an intensive care unit stay versus no readmission was associated with physical decline. Clinicians and researchers should consider the effect of a readmission to an intensive care unit, distinct from hospital readmission, on acute respiratory distress syndrome survivors’ physical status.

Background As mortality rates for patients treated in intensive care units decrease, greater understanding of the impact of critical illness on patients’ well-being is needed. Objective To describe the survivorship experience of patients who had acute respiratory failure by using the Patient Reported Outcomes Measurement Information System (PROMIS) framework. Methods A total of 48 adult patients who had acute respiratory failure completed at least 1 semistructured telephone-based interview between 5 and 18 months after their stay in the intensive care unit. Participants were asked about overall well-being and important health outcomes. Results Major themes were identified within each of the 3 PROMIS components: physical health, mental health, and social health. The following themes were particularly prominent: mobility impairments, pulmonary symptoms, fatigue, anxiety and depression symptoms, and decreased ability to work and participate in valued activities. Impacts on overall well-being and on relationships with friends and family members varied among the survivors. Some survivors reported gratitude, increased appreciation of life, and closer relationships to loved ones. Other survivors reported boredom, social isolation, and wishing they had not survived. Conclusions Survivors of acute respiratory failure reported substantial issues with their physical, mental, and social health. Holistic assessments of outcomes of survivors of critical illness should capture the complex beneficial and adverse impacts of critical illness on survivors’ well-being and social health.