Conclusion
This paper has outlined a critical review and synthesis of
the qualitative research literature that explores first hand
experiences of critical illness. The aim was to describe the
common themes associated with the experience of critical
illness and consider how these inform patients understanding.
Some patients clearly have significant recall of their critical
illness and stay in the ICU. Common themes amongst
these recalled experiences have been distilled in this review.
However, analysis of the research has highlighted, through
more implicit themes, the way patients understand their
experiences through its personal meaning for them. This
signposts a way and frames a research focus to develop this
area of knowledge about critical illness in the future.
Exploring the whole illness recovery trajectory, including
those who have had a significant length of stay in ICU, and
allowing time for recovery and reflection before interviewing
patients are argued here as the important next steps in
this area of research.