A grounded theory study of PTSD following ICU
Research type
Research Study
Full title
Developing a grounded theory model of post-traumatic stress disorder following an intensive care unit admission
IRAS ID
225011
Contact name
Isabel Sweetman
Contact email
Sponsor organisation
Royal Holloway, University of London
Duration of Study in the UK
0 years, 11 months, 30 days
Research summary
Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) is an anxiety disorder caused by exposure to a traumatic event, and which results in reliving symptoms (e.g. flashbacks, nightmares), avoidance, feeling nervous or on edge, and a change in thoughts and feelings. PTSD is higher in survivors of intensive care units (ICU), and is linked with decreased health-related quality of life. Existing research in this area has focused primarily on prevalence rates, and the medical risk factors for developing PTSD post-ICU. Less is known about the psychological factors and experiences of this group once they have left the ICU. Furthermore, it is not clear whether existing models of PTSD are applicable to this population.
This project will recruit individuals who have been in ICU and are experiencing PTSD symptoms as a result of this experience. Participants will be asked to complete an online questionnaire which will screen for study eligibility and gather demographic data, information about their ICU admission and questions about thoughts and beliefs. Eligible participants will then be invited to take part in a semi-structured interview. These interviews would focus on psychological aspects of participant’s experience after ICU, including memory, thoughts, emotions and behaviour. This would lead to the development of a theoretical model of how PTSD is experienced by individuals following intensive care. Such a model would aim to increase our theoretical understanding of PTSD in ICU patients, as well as inform clinicians on formulation and delivering interventions for this particular group.
REC name
London - Camberwell St Giles Research Ethics Committee
REC reference
17/LO/1292
Date of REC Opinion
29 Aug 2017
REC opinion
Unfavourable Opinion