Value‐Based Experiences Related to Digital Follow‐Up Services Among Critical Care Survivors: An International Qualitative Study

Intensive care units (ICUs) are increasingly striving to provide cost-effective and value-based support. To meet this trend, digital solutions might offer appropriate opportunities for delivering remote, personalized follow-up services. However, it remains unclear whether digital solutions align with survivors' preferences to improve post-ICU quality of life. The aim was to explore the value-based experiences related to digital follow-up services among critical care survivors. A qualitative design, with focus group interviews from May through October 2023, was conducted with critical care survivors recruited from four European countries. A thematic approach was used to analyze the data. Twenty-two participants were included, of whom half were women (n = 11). Three main themes were categorized: (1) powerless and uncontrolled, a search for regaining life; (2) adequate digital information; and (3) the role of technology and appropriate functionalities according to users' wishes. Overall findings across the four European countries highlighted value-based preferences such as personalized online information delivery, the possibility of e-consults with healthcare professionals, and digital access to peer support.