Table 1.

Sample characteristics.

Survivors (n = 6), interviewed at 3- and 12-months post discharge	n (%) or mean (range)
Age range at first interview (years)	65 (54–74)
Gender (male)	4 (67)
Length of stay in ICU (days)	14 (8–36)
Hospital length of stay (days)	23 (13–44)
Ventilation mode
Endotracheal tube only	2 (33)
Continuous positive airway pressure only	1 (16)
Combination of endotracheal tube and continuous airway pressure	2 (33)
Combination of endotracheal tube, continuous airway pressure and tracheostomy	1 (16)
Carers (n = 5 initial interview at 3 months; n = 1 follow up interview at 12 months)	n (%) or mean (range)
Age range at first interview (years)	59 (50–70)
Gender (male)	0 (0)
Relationship to survivor
Spouse or partner (n = 1 on follow up)	3 (60)
Adult child	1 (20)
Close friend	1 (20)