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
234709
Contact name
Isabel Sweetman
Contact email
Sponsor organisation
Royal Holloway, University of London
Clinicaltrials.gov Identifier
2945, The research registry
Duration of Study in the UK
0 years, 6 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. This project aims to add to the existing psychological knowledge about PTSD following ICU in order to help guide effective psychological interventions.
This project will recruit individuals who have been in ICU and are experiencing PTSD symptoms as a result of this experience. Participants will complete a questionnaire to screen for eligibility in terms of PTSD symptoms. 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
South Central - Oxford C Research Ethics Committee
REC reference
17/SC/0512
Date of REC Opinion
7 Nov 2017
REC opinion
Further Information Favourable Opinion