Geraldine O’Gara and Natalie Pattison explore the long-term needs of patients receiving cancer treatments following an admission to, and discharge from, intensive care

Cancer patients who survive a stay in critical care have unique needs in the recovery period as a result of possible ongoing treatment and the effects of the admission on their health-related quality of life. This article examines the incidence, causes and impact on patients of admission to critical care; follow-up needs and the role of nurses; and follow-up models. A case study is provided that explores a patient’s recovery from a critical care admission in the context of ongoing treatment.