Contact person: Prof. Nicola Latronico
Department: Department of Medicine and Surgery, Radiology and Public Health
Year of establishment: 2020
The “Alessandra Bono” University Research Center on Long-Term Outcomes in Survivors of Critical Illness was established within the Department of Medical and Surgical Specialties, Radiological Sciences and Public Health (DSMC) at the University of Brescia, with its administrative headquarters located within the same Department.
The main objectives of the Research Center concern both research activities and the dissemination of knowledge and are outlined below:
- to develop studies and research projects aimed at identifying modifiable risk factors for the development of Post-Intensive Care Syndrome (PICS), with particular emphasis on events occurring during the acute phase of critical illness and the Intensive Care Unit (ICU) stay;
- to develop studies and research projects aimed at identifying the pathophysiological mechanisms underlying PICS, with particular attention to the development of muscle weakness and fatigue, as well as the cognitive and psychiatric impairments affecting survivors of critical illness;
- to develop studies and research projects aimed at identifying pharmacological treatments to prevent the onset of PICS signs and symptoms and to reduce the impact of the syndrome on survivors’ quality of life;
- to design multicenter studies to assess the incidence and prevalence of signs and symptoms across the different domains of PICS and their impact on quality of life, with the aim of promoting appropriate recognition and management of the condition at the national level by healthcare professionals—including physicians, nurses, social workers, and other healthcare providers—as well as by healthcare authorities;
- to develop recommendations and appropriate diagnostic, therapeutic, and care pathways, drawing on the multidisciplinary expertise involved in the Center’s activities and in collaboration with healthcare and scientific institutions at different levels, including local healthcare organizations, regional and national authorities, and scientific societies;
- to promote scientific seminars and conferences focusing on the Center’s research areas;
- to foster interaction and collaboration with patient and survivor associations.
Contact person: Prof. Nicola Latronico