Survival is not enough: The importance of recovery after critical illness

Abstract

Recovery following an episode of critical illness can take weeks to years and is influenced pre-existing health problems as well as the nature of the critical illness episode. Recognition of the importance of recovery following critical illness has resulted in increased in research which has led to an improved understanding of what factors might influence, and what strategies might assist with, recovery. As with any intervention, there is not a “one size fits all” approach and for interventions to be successful they must be informed by individual patient assessment that is ongoing throughout the recovery period. Growing a body of literature to assist clinicians, researchers, patients and their families will be important to ensure that approaches to enhancing recovery after critical illness are effective and feasible.