Because the burden of illness is significant in the more than 100,000 persons who survive ARDS each year,5 it is imperative that primary care physicians initiate, coordinate, and monitor continuing services for these patients. Physicians should assess functional status at hospital
follow-up and subsequent visits, ensuring that the resources of the multidimensional health care team (e.g., physical and occupational therapy, rehabilitation nursing, home health care, subspecialty colleagues) are used to promote optimal health and function. In addition, primary care physicians should screen for mental health disturbances and treat or refer as needed.