Lessons Learned from the Lived Experiences of COVID-19 ICU Survivors Who are Struggling Through Critical Conditions and Surviving to Champion Life: A Qualitative Study

Background: Due to the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic, millions of lives were lost globally, including in Indonesia. Some patients with COVID-19 may experience severe symptoms of hypoxia, while some may be critically ill and admitted to the intensive care unit (ICU) for survival. Purpose: This study aimed to understand the lived experiences of COVID-19 ICU survivors who were in a critical condition. Methods: This phenomenological study used semistructured interviews with nine participants who were COVID-19 ICU survivors. Data analysis was performed using the Colaizzi approach. Results: The phenomenon of the lived experiences of COVID-19 ICU survivors was presented in seven subthemes and four main themes: struggling in a state of helplessness, fostering a positive spirit from within, amplifying the support from nurses and doctors, and strengthening the connection with family and the Almighty. These themes indicated the essential aspects of psychosocial support needed to boost strength and energy and elevate the body's immune system, which is crucial to champion life through critical conditions. Conclusion: The new insight resulting from the study is shown in the four main themes, which play a significant role in elevating the healing process and enabling patients to survive critical conditions. Therefore, this study recommends the importance of psychosocial support for patients with critical conditions, which involves family and their significant others, and facilitating the connection between the patient and God. Keywords: COVID-19, ICU survivor, intensive care unit survivors, qualitative study, phenomenological study