This observational study aims to describe the incidence of episodes of disconnected consciousness (including near-death experience (NDE)) and episodes of connected consciousness in patients admitted to the resuscitation room, who survived a critical condition and who meet at least one of these criteria during their stay in the resuscitation room: (1) deep sedation, (2) intubation, (3) cardiopulmonary resuscitation, or (4) (non-drug-induced) Glasgow Coma Scale score = 3. We also investigate the potential (neuro)physiological markers and biomarkers. In order to help determine the potential risk factors of such episodes, cognitive factors such as dissociative propensity are also investigated. Unexpected visual and auditory stimuli will be displayed. In addition, we assess the evolution of memory, as well as short- and long-term consequences on quality of life, anxiety, and attitudes towards care. Memory of patients who did not meet the above-mentioned criteria are also investigated. A group of 15 healthy participants will be invited to test the stimuli display. Finally, (neuro)physiological parameters of a subsample of dying patients are also investigated.
Study Type
OBSERVATIONAL
Enrollment
100
CHU of Liège
Liège, Belgium
RECRUITINGDetection of potential episodes of disconnected consciousness
near-death experience (using the Near-Death Experience Content scale); dream
Time frame: upon awakening/discharge from the resuscitation room (max 21 days after the admission in the room)
Detection of potential episodes of connected consciousness
explicit recall of environmental/external stimuli upon awakening
Time frame: upon awakening/discharge from the resuscitation room (max 21 days after the admission in the room)
Risk factors
(neuro)physiological marker; biomarker; cognitive factor
Time frame: in the resusctiation room admission
Quality of life assessment
The EuroQol five-dimension three-level questionnaire (EQ-5D-3L) comprises two sections. The first one is a five-question descriptive component which explores five dimensions (mobility, self-care, usual activities, pain/discomfort and anxiety/depression). Each question has three possible answers, rated from 1 to 3 (no problems, some problems and extreme problems). The second section is a visual analogue scale (EQ VAS; 0 "worst imaginable health state" to 100 "best imaginable health state") about their current health state.
Time frame: at 6-month
Memory content and evolution assessment
The Memory Characteristics Questionnaire (MCQ). A total score can be derived summing all the 16 items (each on a 1-7 points Likert scale) and refers to as the amount of memory characteristics (i.e. higher total scores reflect greater amount of memory characteristics).
Time frame: at 1-month
Detection of post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD)
The Posttraumatic Stress Disorder Checklist 5 (PCL-5). Its total score can range from 0 to 80 (scores of ≥31 suggest a probable diagnosis of PTSD)
Time frame: at 6-month
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