Sources de nuisances et d'inconforts en réanimation

Potential discomfort sources or stressors associated with an hospitalization in the intensive care unit (ICU) can be classified as intrinsic or patient-related factors, environmental factors (such as noise and excess of light) and organizational factors. There are two approaches to assess ICU-related stressors: an objective approach by measuring physical or physiological parameters that characterize either some ICU-related stressors or their impact on the ICU patient, and a subjective approach using questionnaires (patient-reported outcomes). Pain is frequently reported by ICU-patients in relation with many therapeutic or diagnostic procedures. Thirst and sleep deprivation are also perceived very negatively by ICU-patients in studies based on questionnaires exploring patient-related outcomes (PRO). ICU stays without control of stressors may induce agitation and confusion (ICU psychosis) and increase the risk for developing a post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD).