The Situation of Handoff from Intensive Care Units to Wards and Factors Related to the Implementation of Post-Intensive Care Syndrome Preventive Care in Wards

Abstract

　This study aimed to clarify the current state of handoffs from intensive care units （ICUs） to general wards for implementing post-intensive care syndrome （PICS） prevention care and to investigate the relationship between the implementation of PICS prevention care in wards and handoffs from ICUs, along with ward conditions related to PICS prevention care. A web-based questionnaire survey was conducted targeting ward nurses from 220 facilities nationwide who had received handoffs from ICUs. The survey included （1） 16 items related to handoffs from ICUs （PICS-related information, standardized tools, and effective communication）, （2） 6 items on ward conditions, and （3） 9 items on PICS prevention care in wards. Chi-square tests and other statistical analyses were performed.

　A total of 92 nurses participated in the study. Among them, 44.6% reported sufficient transmission of PICS-related information, 35.9% reported using standardized tools, and 69.6% reported effective communication. In an analysis of the 35 participants who had a clear understanding of PICS, the implementation of PICS prevention care in wards was significantly associated with the subcategory “understanding of PICS among ward staff” within “ward conditions” and with “PICS-related information.” A two-variable logistic regression analysis revealed that “PICS-related information” had a strong influence （odds ratio, 17.6；p=0.016）.

　Although the transmission of PICS-related information occurred only in approximately 40% of cases, it had a significant impact on the implementation of PICS prevention care in wards. The findings suggest that promoting PICS prevention care in wards requires enhanced understanding of PICS among ward nurses to ensure that accurate receipt of PICS-related information is facilitated using standardized tools.