Perception of Quality of Life and Resource Availability After Surviving Critical Illness

The purpose of this qualitative study is to explore the vital issues in recovery of QOL from the perspective of survivors of critical illness and understand these patients' views on rehabilitative services in the United States (U.S.). The theoretical framework for this study is Max Weber's Rational Choice Theory (RCT). The research questions will focus on understanding post-ICU QOL and the patients' experience with rehabilitative services following critical illness. A phenomenological study design is being employed, using semi-structured individual interviews with critical illness survivors. Data from the interviews will be coded for thematic analysis. The implications for social change include defining the meaning of QOL for an ICU survivor and improving healthcare policies for the therapies necessary to return survivors to a life worth living.