Alopecia in survivors of critical illness: a mixed methods study (V1)
Research type
Research Study
Full title
Alopecia in survivors of critical illness: a mixed methods study
IRAS ID
208441
Contact name
Ceri Battle
Contact email
Sponsor organisation
ABMU Health Board
Duration of Study in the UK
0 years, 7 months, 28 days
Research summary
Alopecia (hair loss) in adult survivors of critical illness has received limited attention in critical care research. During the acute critical illness phase, alopecia is of minimal concern to the intensive care team, when patient survival is the primary objective of care given. In the recovery phase of illness however, alopecia can prove distressing for the patient. \n\nIn a recent pilot study conducted in Morriston Hospital, we reported a 17% incidence of alopecia in adult survivors of critical illness. This study will be conducted in the Ed Major Critical Care Unit in Morriston Hospital over a one year period. The aim of the proposed study is to investigate the incidence of patient reported alopecia and its risk factors, in survivors of critical illness. Critical illness will be defined as an Intensive Care Unit (ITU) length of stay of five days or more. Data regarding risk factors (defined a priori based on previous research) will be collected during the ITU stay on all ITUs in Wales. A postal survey will be sent to the patient at three months post-ITU discharge. This will be followed up with a telephone survey if the survey is not received within one month of posting. Exclusion criteria will include patients who a) do not consent to participation in the study, b)are aged less than 18 years, c) suffer with conditions causing pre-admission alopecia, d) have received or will require chemotherapy.
REC name
North of Scotland Research Ethics Committee 2
REC reference
16/NS/0133
Date of REC Opinion
7 Dec 2016
REC opinion
Further Information Favourable Opinion