Learning From Survivors: How Former Intensive Care Unit Patients' Experiences Influence Nursing Practice?

Survival after critical illness has improved due to advances in intensive care. However, many intensive care unit (ICU) survivors experience persistent physical, cognitive and psychological impairments. These are collectively known as Post-Intensive Care Syndrome (PICS) and negatively affect quality of life and everyday functioning. Post-ICU follow-up is often inconsistent, and not all ICU nurses are involved in patients' long-term recovery. Some ICUs offer individual consultations or peer support. Integrating former patients' narratives into follow-up may generate valuable knowledge for ICU nursing, but this area remains unexplored.

To explore how former ICU patients' narratives of life after critical illness inform and influence ICU nurses' clinical practice.

A qualitative study using a phenomenological-hermeneutic, Ricoeur-inspired interpretation method. Data consisted of 12 interviews with nurses' lived experiences of facilitating follow-up services with former ICU patients individually, in groups or combined. Reporting adhered to the Consolidated Criteria for Reporting Qualitative Research (COREQ) checklist.

Three themes emerged: (1) patient narratives as a source of knowledge for future care, (2) long-term patient experiences as catalysts for professional reflection and (3) follow-up provides ICU nurses with a renewed sense of meaning in their work.

Former patients' narratives are a key source of knowledge for ICU nurses, supporting a more holistic, person-centred approach and enhancing insight into rehabilitation after critical illness. These narratives provide a foundation for further refinement and development of clinical practice.

Insights from former patients enable ICU nurses to reflect on and adapt their practice, tailor care to individual patient needs and implement evidence-based improvements. These perspectives strengthen professional judgement, inspire new approaches and promote holistic, person-centred care.