A Lived Experience of Intensive Care Unit Survivors Regarding Post‐Intensive Care Syndrome After Liver Transplantation: A Phenomenological Study

ABSTRACT Background Post‐intensive care syndrome (PICS) is defined as mental, physical, cognitive, and social sequelae in survivors of critical illness. Survivors of liver transplantation exhibit a complex clinical condition following discharge from the intensive care unit (ICU). There is a lack of knowledge about the lived experience of PICS in survivors after liver transplantation. Objectives Describe the lived experiences of PICS in ICU survivors following liver transplantation. Methods A phenomenological study was carried out using interpretative phenomenological analysis (IPA). Semi‐structured interviews were conducted with ICU survivors one month after discharge. Results Twenty ICU survivors were enrolled and interviewed after critical illness. The main themes that emerged from the data analysis were: (1) Profound life reorientation, (2) Physical impairment, (3) Psychological distress experiences, (4) Human‐Centred Nursing Care, and (5) Return to daily life. Our results showed a particular impact of the dimensions of PICS, such as mental, physical, and social dimensions, on ICU survivors after liver transplantation. Conclusion The study concludes that ICU survivors experience profound life reorientation, physical impairment, and psychological distress experiences, yet benefit from human‐centred nursing care, which facilitates their eventual return to daily life. Patient or Public Contribution The findings highlight the importance of human‐centred nursing care in the post‐ICU recovery process, where the multidisciplinary team plays a critical role in addressing both psychological distress and physical rehabilitation, supporting survivors' reintegration into daily life. Impact Post‐liver transplant ICU survivors experience profound physical, psychological, and social impacts. Life reorientation, altered body image, and emotional distress emerge. Human‐centred nursing facilitates rehabilitation, reintegration, and overall recovery. Reporting Method Reporting was structured based on the COREQ checklist. Protocol Registration Prot. N. 00014635–31/05/2023