Exploring How Critical Illness Survivor Is Defined and Applied: A Scoping Review Protocol

Abstract Objective: This review aims to systematically map and synthesize the scientific literature concerning adult survivors of critical illness, focusing on how the concept of the critical illness survivor is defined and applied, particularly in relation to post-ICU experiences, in order to inform future research, policy development, and clinical practice. Introduction: 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. Despite this, the definition and use of the term critical illness survivor remain inconsistent and unclear in clinical and academic settings. Inclusion criteria: Included studies must focus on adults (≥18 years) admitted to an ICU for critical illness and subsequently discharged. Studies should explore the concept of the critical illness survivor, examining its definitions, conceptual frameworks, and key characteristics across clinical, functional, psychological, and social dimensions. The context will encompass the post-ICU period in any geographical or cultural context, or healthcare setting, without restrictions on duration or follow-up. Eligible sources include original quantitative, qualitative, or mixed-methods research, as well as literature reviews and theoretical or conceptual papers. Methods: The JBI methodology for scoping reviews will be followed. Databases to be searched include MEDLINE (via PubMed), CINAHL Complete, Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials, Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews, and MedicLatina (all via EBSCOhost), along with searches for relevant grey literature. Two independent reviewers will screen and extract data using Rayyan and JBI SUMARI, resolving disagreements by consensus or a third reviewer. Data will be charted using a pretested extraction form and analyzed descriptively, with findings presented in narrative summaries, descriptive tables, charts, and evidence and gap maps to illustrate key concepts and patterns.