Background: Mechanical ventilation (MV) is one of the most utilised techniques in the intensive care unit (ICU),\nbut it can cause sequelae that can negatively influence the patient�s health-related quality of life (HRQL). Nursingsensitive\noutcomes (NSOs) can also influence the HRQL. Assessing the HRQL of mechanically ventilated patients\nadmitted to an ICU and its relation to nurse-sensitive outcomes will give healthcare professionals with valuable\ninformation to improve patient care.\nMethods: Prospective longitudinal cohort study in which all patients admitted to the ICU at Hospital Universitari Vall\nd�Hebron who undergo MV for more than 48 h will be included. The study will last 12 consecutive months. HRQL\nwill be assessed by the completion of the SF-36 and the Saint Georges Respiratory Questionnaire. Pre-admission\nHRQL assessment will be performed by the main caregiver, and after ICU discharge, the assessment will be\nperformed by the patient him/herself. The same questionnaires will also be completed one year after ICU discharge.\nOther variables (sociodemographic and those related to reason for ICU admission, ICU length of stay, MV, ICU\nstressors and NSO) will be included in a multiple regression model to assess their relation to the patient�s HRQL.\nDiscussion: This study will show the relationship between the HRQL perceived by patients and their main caregiver,\nwhat the HRQL is one year after discharge from ICU, and what the impact of MV, NSO and ICU stressors and other\nclinical outcomes on the patient�s HRQL is. Determining mechanically ventilated patients� HRQL and its relation to NSO\nand ICU stressors as well as other clinical variables will enable early nursing interventions to try to minimise possible\nsequelae and improve the patient�s welfare.
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