Examining quality of life after withholding life-sustaining treatment in severe brain injury patients
Withholding of Life-sustaining Treatment and Quality of Life After Severe Acute Brain Injury: Qualitative Analysis and Ethical Issues.
This study looks at how not using life-sustaining treatments affects the quality of life for patients with severe brain injuries over two years.
Quick facts
| Study type | Observational |
|---|---|
| Enrollment | 14 (estimated) |
| Ages | 18 Years and up |
| Sex | All |
| Sponsor | Centre Hospitalier Universitaire de Saint Etienne Academic / other |
| Locations | 1 site (Saint-Etienne) |
| Trial ID | NCT06523127 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
What this trial studies
This observational study investigates the impact of withholding life-sustaining treatment on the quality of life of patients who have suffered severe acute brain injuries. It focuses on patients admitted to a neurocritical care unit and follows them for 24 months post-ICU to assess their quality of life and the ethical implications of treatment decisions. The study aims to gather qualitative data to better understand the relationship between treatment decisions and patient outcomes, particularly in cases where prognosis appears futile. By analyzing the experiences of survivors, the study seeks to contribute to the ongoing discourse on ethical decision-making in critical care settings.
Who should consider this trial
Good fit: Ideal candidates for this study are patients with severe acute brain injuries who were admitted to the neurocritical care unit in 2022 and are willing to participate in follow-up assessments.
Not a fit: Patients who die in 2024 or those who refuse participation will not benefit from this study.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this study could provide valuable insights into the ethical considerations and quality of life outcomes for patients with severe brain injuries, potentially guiding future treatment decisions.
How similar studies have performed: While there are few studies on withholding treatment compared to withdrawing treatment, this study addresses a relatively novel area of inquiry regarding survivors after a decision to withhold treatment.
Eligibility criteria
Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria: Patients: * with severe acute brain injury (TBI, stroke, central nervous system infection). * admitted in the neurocritical care unit in 2022. * followed up 24 months after ICU between 15th April 2024 and 31st August 2024. Exclusion Criteria: Patients: * death in 2024, * refusal by patient or relative.
Where this trial is running
Saint-Etienne
- Centre Hospitalier Universitaire de Saint Etienne — Saint-Etienne, France (Recruiting)
Study contacts
- Principal investigator: Marie DAKENG, resident — Centre Hospitalier Universitaire de Saint Etienne
- Study coordinator: Marie DAKENG, resident
- Email: mcgperret@gmail.com
- Phone: (0)4 77 82 83 29
How to participate
- Review the eligibility criteria above with your treating physician.
- Visit the official trial page on ClinicalTrials.gov for the most current contact information and recruitment status.
- Contact the listed study coordinator or principal investigator to request pre-screening. Pre-screening is free and never obligates you to enroll.