Exploring the definition and application of the concept of critical illness survivor: a scoping review protocol

This review will systematically map and synthesize the scientific literature on adult survivors of critical illness, focusing on how the concept of critical illness survivor is defined and applied, particularly in relation to post-intensive care unit (ICU) experiences, to inform future research, policy development, and clinical practice.

Advancements in critical care have significantly increased survival rates of patients with life-threatening conditions, leading to a growing population living with long-term consequences of critical illness. Yet the definition and use of the term critical illness survivor remain inconsistent in clinical and academic settings.

Included studies will focus on adults (≥18 years) admitted to an ICU for critical illness and subsequently discharged. Moreover, studies will explore the concept of critical illness survivor, examining its definitions, conceptual frameworks, and key characteristics across the clinical, functional, psychological, and social dimensions. They will investigate the post-ICU period in any geographical or cultural context and health care setting.

This review will follow the JBI methodology for scoping reviews. Databases to be searched include PubMed, CINAHL Complete, Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials, Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews, and MedicLatina (all via EBSCOhost), along with searches for gray literature. Two reviewers will independently screen and extract data, resolving disagreements by consensus or with a third reviewer. Data will be charted using a pre-tested extraction form and analyzed descriptively, with findings presented in narrative summaries, descriptive tables, charts, and evidence and gap maps.

OSF https://osf.io/w6srk/overview.