Summary
This systematic review examined 10 peer-reviewed studies (from 1,799 records screened) investigating associations between pre-admission socioeconomic position and outcomes following critical illness. The review found consistent evidence that patients with lower socioeconomic position experienced higher mortality across multiple timeframes (ICU, in-hospital, 30-day, and long-term) and lower 6-month mental health quality of life scores, though notably no studies examined performance-based physical function outcomes. The authors highlight substantial methodological variability in socioeconomic position measurement across studies and recommend standardised approaches for future ICU research.
UK applicability
The findings are likely applicable to UK intensive care settings, where socioeconomic inequalities in health outcomes are well-documented. However, the review does not specify whether included studies incorporated UK data, and socioeconomic measurement methods may differ across healthcare systems; UK-specific research using consistent metrics would strengthen applicability to NHS critical care contexts.
Key measures
ICU mortality, in-hospital mortality, 30-day mortality, long-term mortality, 6-month Short Form-12 Mental Component Summary scores; socioeconomic position assessed via multiple methods across included studies
Outcomes reported
The study systematically reviewed evidence on associations between pre-admission socioeconomic position and physical function, health-related quality of life, and survival following critical illness in adults admitted to intensive care units. Outcomes measured included ICU, in-hospital, 30-day and long-term mortality, and 6-month mental health quality of life scores.
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