Sepsis, a life-threatening response to infection, represents a substantial global health concern. Each year, about 48,9 million people are affected by sepsis. While survival rates have improved, sepsis survivors often experience numerous challenges after discharge from the hospital. Therefore, the aim of this study was to describe patients’ experience of their life situation after surviving sepsis. A literature review was carried out using Friberg’s four step model for analyzing quantitative and qualitative research. The data were collected from seven quantitative and four qualitative studies.

The analysis revealed two themes and eight subthemes: (1) Difficulties adjusting to new living conditions, (2) A challenging recovery process. The first theme had four subthemes: Changed quality of life after sepsis, Physical limitations in everyday life, The challenge of becoming dependent on others and The importance of social relationships. The second theme had four subthemes: A mental struggle to return to a normal life, Traumatization and fears of relapse, The importance of recovery, and Educational and informational gaps.

Among sepsis survivors, various problems and challenges have been identified that impact their daily life. Numerous survivors suffered from persistent residual symptoms primarily related to physical, psychological, and cognitive domains. Survivors were widely dissatisfied with the information and education about sepsis and its aftermath provided by the healthcare system. Further research is needed to clarify the long-term consequences of sepsis survivorship, and to improve the healthcare guidelines and interventions aimed at improving the well-being of this patient group