Nutrition and recovery after critical illness
Thank you for being part of this research. This newsletter shares what we have learned so far, and invites you to help shape what comes next.
Thank you for your interest in this research on nutritional recovery after critical illness. Whether you have already taken part in the study or are hearing about the project for the first time, this newsletter shares what we have learned so far and invites you to help shape the next stage of the research.
Thank you to everyone who has taken part in the interview study or shared feedback on the project. Your time and experiences are helping us understand what nutritional recovery after critical illness is really like.
Listening to your experiences
Earlier in the project, we reviewed existing research on nutrition after critical illness. This showed that many people experience poor appetite, tiredness, taste changes, nausea, low mood or anxiety, and worries about food, especially in the first year after leaving hospital. Previous research also suggested that nutrition support during this time was limited.
To explore this in more depth, 16 people who had experienced critical illness themselves, or had cared for someone after critical illness, took part in one-to-one interviews. They shared their experiences of eating, recovery, and daily life, and how these changed over time.
their story
came through
feels the hardest
You also had clear ideas about what would help
Your voice can help design better support
The next step is to work together to design a nutrition programme for people recovering after critical illness.
We are inviting people with lived experience, carers, and healthcare professionals to take part in a series of online co-design workshops. These workshops are part of patient and public involvement (PPI) which means working with people who have relevant experience to help shape the research.
The ideas developed in the workshops will help design a practical, person-centred nutrition programme and shape a future research study to test it in practice.
You may be interested if you are…
Someone who has experienced critical illness and recovery after ICU
A family member or carer of someone who was critically ill
A healthcare professional involved in supporting recovery after ICU and hospital discharge
We can offer support before the workshops if you are not familiar with the online meeting technology. The group will include around 12 people, with a mix of ICU survivors, family members and healthcare professionals. We are keeping the group small to help create a supportive environment where everyone feels comfortable contributing and has the opportunity to take part meaningfully.
If more than 12 people express an interest, we may not be able to include everyone. We will select people to ensure the group includes a range of experiences and views.
Would you like to get involved?
Read the full participant information sheet to find out more about the workshops. If you are interested in taking part, please email Ella — we would love to hear from you.
Read the participant information sheet Or email Ella directly at 240648@HSU.ac.uk
- The review of existing evidence has been published in a scientific journal.
- The interview study has been written up and is currently under review.
- This work will also be presented at the Intensive Care Society Conference in July 2026.
If you have any feedback on this newsletter, we would be very happy to hear from you. Please email Ella Terblanche on 240648@HSU.ac.uk.