Impact of survivorship stories on the interdisciplinary critical care team: a qualitative study

Healthcare providers (HCPs) working in intensive care units (ICUs) face high levels of stress, burnout and emotional exhaustion. There is limited research on interventions that foster resilience and connection among interdisciplinary ICU teams. Storytelling, particularly through ICU patient survivorship narratives, may offer a novel approach to improving team morale, reducing burnout and enhancing workplace belongingness.

To explore the impact of ICU survivor stories on the interdisciplinary ICU team's perceptions of their role in survivorship, resilience, burnout and sense of belonging at work.

This qualitative study used a cross-sectional survey and focus group design at a large academic hospital. Participants included 39 members of the ICU interdisciplinary team who reviewed ICU survivor profiles and completed a survey. A subset of participants engaged in focus groups.

Survey data were analysed using descriptive statistics. Open-ended survey responses and focus group transcripts underwent thematic analysis using descriptive and in vivo coding, followed by consensus-based theme development.

All survey items had mean scores above 3.0, indicating overall agreement with the positive impact of the survivor profiles. Six key themes emerged from qualitative analysis: validation and closure, learning and growth, gratitude, team building and collaboration, burnout and sense of belonging. Participants reported that the profiles provided emotional closure, reinforced the value of their work and fostered interdisciplinary appreciation. Some participants noted disparities in recognition across disciplines, highlighting opportunities for more inclusive team-building strategies.

ICU survivor stories may serve as a meaningful intervention to support emotional well-being, reduce burnout and enhance team cohesion among critical care providers. These narratives offer a humanising perspective on patient recovery and may help staff reconnect with the purpose behind their work. Future research should explore the long-term impact of such interventions and their potential to improve both provider well-being and patient care outcomes.