Impact of a digital diary on the mental health of former ICU patients

Diary Implementation as a Prelude to Integrated Interventions in Person-centered Care in the Intensive Care Unit

Observational Erasmus Medical Center · NCT06237699

This study tests if using a digital diary can help improve the mental health and quality of life for people who have been in the ICU and their families.

Quick facts

Study typeObservational
Enrollment400 (estimated)
Ages18 Years and up
SexAll
SponsorErasmus Medical Center Academic / other
Locations4 sites (Rotterdam, South Holland and 3 other locations)
Trial IDNCT06237699 on ClinicalTrials.gov

What this trial studies

This observational study explores the health-related effects of a digital diary on the psychological well-being and quality of life of former ICU patients and their relatives. It aims to assess how using a digital diary influences mental health outcomes such as depression, anxiety, and post-traumatic stress disorder. The study will involve participants who have spent more than 48 hours in the ICU and have not previously used an ICU diary. Data will be collected through pre- and post-measurements to evaluate the perceived quality of care and satisfaction among relatives.

Who should consider this trial

Good fit: Ideal candidates include former ICU patients and their relatives who are Dutch-speaking, over 18 years old, and have a history of ICU stays longer than 48 hours.

Not a fit: Patients with a pre-admission diagnosis of psychosis or dementia, or those who have previously used an ICU diary, may not benefit from this study.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this study could enhance the psychological well-being of former ICU patients and their families through improved coping mechanisms.

How similar studies have performed: Previous studies have shown positive outcomes with the use of paper diaries in similar contexts, but the effectiveness of digital diaries remains less explored.

Eligibility criteria

Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion criteria for former ICU patients and their relatives:

* Capacity to make decisions autonomously
* Proficiency in the Dutch language
* 18 years of age or older
* ICU length of stay \>48 hours
* No use of an ICU diary before (pre-measurement)
* Used the digital Post-IC diary for more than 1 day (post-measurement)

Exclusion criteria for former ICU patients and their relatives:

* Insufficient proficiency in the Dutch language to express themselves on the subject.
* Patients with a pre-admission diagnosis of psychosis or dementia.
* Use of a paper ICU diary.

Where this trial is running

Rotterdam, South Holland and 3 other locations

Study contacts

How to participate

  1. Review the eligibility criteria above with your treating physician.
  2. Visit the official trial page on ClinicalTrials.gov for the most current contact information and recruitment status.
  3. Contact the listed study coordinator or principal investigator to request pre-screening. Pre-screening is free and never obligates you to enroll.
Conditions Depression, AnxietyPost Traumatic Stress DisorderQuality of LifeQuality of careDigital ICU DiaryICU survivorsRelatives
Last reviewed 2026-06-10 by the Find a Trial editorial team. Information on this page is for educational purposes and is not medical advice. Always consult qualified healthcare professionals about clinical trial participation.