Application of Large Language Models Techniques to Post-ICU Syndrome Management in Critically Ill Patients: A Fully Longitudinal Mixed Study

Application of Large Language Models Techniques to Post-ICU Syndrome Management in Critically Ill Patients: A Fully Longitudinal Mixed Study

The goal of this clinical trial is to evaluate whether Large Language Models (LLMs) combined with an optimized care program can effectively manage Post-Intensive Care Syndrome (PICS) in adult ICU survivors (aged ≥18 years) discharged from a tertiary hospital in China. The main questions it aims to answer are:

• Does the intervention (optimized program + LLMs) improve physical, psychological, cognitive, and social function recovery compared to standard care or the optimized program alone?
• How do patients experience and perceive the utility of LLMs in PICS self-management during recovery?

Researchers will compare three groups:

1. Group A (routine care)
2. Group B (optimized program without LLMs)
3. Group C (optimized program + LLMs) to see if adding LLMs significantly enhances PICS symptom management, patient self-efficacy, and quality of life over 6 months post-discharge.

Participants will:

• Install and use the Kimi Smart Assistant LLM (Group C only) for health queries under nurse supervision.

• Complete standardized questionnaires at discharge (baseline), 7 days, 1 month, 3 months, and 6 months post-discharge:

  • PICS Symptom Questionnaire (PICSQ)
  • Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index (PSQI)
  • Anxiety (GAD-7) and Depression (PHQ-9) scales
  • Self-Management Ability Scale (AHSMSRS)

• Attend semi-structured interviews (Group C only) at 3 and 6 months to share experiences with LLM use.

Inclusion Criteria:

• ICU hospitalization duration > 24 hours.
• Age ≥ 18 years.
• Conscious at ICU discharge, able to communicate without barriers.
• Provide informed consent to participate.
• Regular access to and usage of smart electronic devices.

Exclusion Criteria:

• Previous ICU admission (≥24h) within 3 months before the current hospitalization.
• Transferred to another ICU during the current hospitalization.
• Pre-existing cognitive impairment (Blessed Dementia Rating Scale [BDRS] score >4 before ICU admission).
• Severe communication barriers:

Hearing impairment Dysarthria Other conditions preventing follow-up assessments.

• Critically unstable condition preventing questionnaire completion.
• Infrequent/no experience using smart electronic devices (e.g., smartphones, tablets).