Investigating awareness and PTSD in patients on mechanical ventilation in the emergency department
Official title: Awareness with Paralysis and Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder among Mechanically Ventilated Emergency Department Survivors: The ED-AWARENESS-2 Study
Funded at Washington University · NIH-11060876 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking at how many patients on ventilators in the emergency department are aware of what's happening around them and how that might affect their mental health, especially in terms of PTSD, so we can find better ways to help them feel more comfortable and supported during their care.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Washington University NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Saint Louis, United States) |
| Project start | March 5, 2023 |
| Project end | February 29, 2028 |
| Funding year | 2025 |
| Award (this year) | $659,374 |
| NIH project number | 5R01HL162721-03 |
| Project ID | NIH-11060876 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are patients who are mechanically ventilated in the emergency department and may experience awareness during their treatment.
✕Less likely to help
Patients who are not mechanically ventilated or those who do not experience awareness during their treatment may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research focuses on understanding the phenomenon of awareness with paralysis (AWP) in patients who are mechanically ventilated in the emergency department (ED). It aims to assess the prevalence of AWP and its psychological impact, particularly the development of post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). The study will involve a pragmatic trial across five academic EDs, utilizing interventions to reduce the use of certain medications that may contribute to AWP. By gathering patient-centered experiences, the research seeks to improve outcomes for critically ill patients transitioning from the ED to intensive care.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to improved psychological outcomes and reduced PTSD rates for patients who are mechanically ventilated in emergency settings.
How similar studies have gone: Previous research has indicated high rates of awareness with paralysis in mechanically ventilated patients, suggesting that this approach to understanding and mitigating its effects is both relevant and necessary.
Where this research is happening
-
Washington University
Saint Louis, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Fuller, Brian M — Washington University
- Study coordinator: Fuller, Brian M
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About this research
- This is an active NIH-funded research project — typically early-stage science, not a clinical trial accepting patient enrollment.
- Some NIH-funded labs run parallel clinical studies or seek volunteers for related work. To check, contact the principal investigator or institution listed above.
- For full project details, budget, and progress reports, visit the official NIH RePORTER page.