Figure 1.

Flow diagram of the chronically critically ill patients followed up and dropped out. N=352 patients were recognized as potentially to be enrolled CCI patients. Of the n=212 successfully interviewed patients at t1, n=131 (61.8%) patients could be assessed again at t2 (three months after the transfer from acute ICU) and/or t3 (six months after the transfer from acute ICU). CAM-ICU: Confusion Assessment Method for the Intensive Care Unit. SCID: Structured Clinical Interview for DSM-IV. ¹In n=2 patients, communication was not possible (only headshaking and movement of lips); in n=1 patient, SCID had to be interrupted because the patient was too weak; n=1 patient was deaf-mute; and n=1 was patient mentally disabled. ²In n=1 patient, communication was not possible because of patient's amblyacousia, and n=1 patient had permanent invasive ventilation. ³In n=1 patient, communication was not possible because of patient's amblyacousia; n=1 patient had permanent invasive ventilation; and in n=1 patient, communication was not possible because of stroke.