[The experiences of aftercare by patients and their relatives after a critical illness in the intensive care unit: A meta-synthesis].

Abstract

The experiences of aftercare by patients and their relatives after a critical illness in the intensive care unit: A meta-synthesis Abstract: Background: Survival of critically ill patients has improved due to progress in intensive care treatment options. However, around 50% are affected by long-term consequences, which are summarized as Post Intensive Care Syndrome (PICS) and highlight the need for aftercare. Aim: How do patients and their relatives perceive life after a critical illness in an intensive care unit and aftercare? Methods: A meta-synthesis of qualitative studies was conducted according to the methodological standard of the Joanna Briggs Institute, based on a systematic literature search in the databases MEDLINE, CINAHL, Social Sciences Citation Index and LIVIVO (5/2023). Results: Twenty-nine studies were included. From these, nine syntheses were aggregated, seven of which related to life after a critical illness and two to the experience of aftercare. For patients and their relatives, everyday life changes after return to home. They are facing the challenge of realigning their lives, coming to terms with permanent changes and accepting them as the new normal life. Patients also experience breaks in their aftercare and want access to aftercare services. Conclusions: The meta-synthesis depicts life after a critical illness in a variety of ways. Aftercare programs should therefore combine various services and take relatives into account, as they enable care at home.