Examining the needs of survivors of critical illness through the lens of palliative care: A qualitative study of survivor experiences

Objective: To examine the needs of adult survivors of critical illness through a lens of palliative care. Research methodology: A qualitative study of adult survivors of critical illness using semi-structured interviews and framework analysis.Setting: Participants were recruited from the post-intensive care unit clinic of a mid-Atlantic academic medical center in the United States.Findings: Seventeen survivors of critical illness aged 34-80 (median, 66) participated in the study. The majority of patients were female (64.7 %, n = 11) with a median length of index ICU stay of 12 days (interquartile range [IQR] 8-19). Interviews were conducted February to March 2021 and occurred a median of 20 months following the index intensive care stay (range, 13-33 months). We identified six key themes which align with palliative care principles: 1) persistent symptom burden; 2) critical illness as a life-altering experience; 3) spiritual changes and significance; 4) interpreting/managing the survivor experience; 5) feelings of loss and burden; and 6) social support needs.Conclusion: Our findings suggest that palliative care components such as symptom management, goals of care discussions, care coordination, and spiritual and social support may assist in the assessment and treatment of survivors of critical illness.