Hope as Experienced by Family Members of PDOC Patients
Research type
Research Study
Full title
Experience of Hope in the Context of Being a Family Member of a Loved One With Prolonged Disorder of Consciousness (PDOC) in a Neurorehabilitation unit
IRAS ID
348989
Contact name
Damian Cruse
Contact email
Sponsor organisation
Head of Research Governance and Integrity
Duration of Study in the UK
1 years, 6 months, 25 days
Research summary
Following a sudden brain injury, a person may enter a state called Prolonged Disorder of Consciousness (PDOC), a condition that keeps them unconscious for extended periods of time, possibly indefinitely. The emotional journey that family members of PDOC patients face is unique and challenging as they grapple with their loved one’s physical presence and psychological absence. This circumstance causes intense feelings of grief, distress, and difficulty finding meaning. Despite these challenges, hope remains a crucial yet understudied resource for these family members. The purpose of this study is to explore and describe the lived experiences of hope among family members of individuals with PDOC in a neurorehabilitation unit, and to understand how these family members make sense of and give meaning to their hope. Interviews with six to ten adult family members of adult PDOC patients will provide a thorough and comprehensive account of their lived experiences of hope. Understanding how hope functions in this context can be useful to improve support services and develop targeted interventions that ultimately improve family members well-being and enhance their quality of life.
REC name
West Midlands - Coventry & Warwickshire Research Ethics Committee
REC reference
25/WM/0090
Date of REC Opinion
3 Jun 2025
REC opinion
Favourable Opinion