Impact on quality of life after an intensive care unit stay

Experience of Staying in Intensive Care and Impact on Quality of Life

Observational University Hospital, Strasbourg, France · NCT07339891

This project will see if adults who spend more than 48 hours in intensive care develop post‑traumatic stress that affects their quality of life.

Quick facts

Study typeObservational
Enrollment40 (estimated)
Ages18 Months and up
SexAll
SponsorUniversity Hospital, Strasbourg, France Academic / other
Locations1 site (Strasbourg)
Trial IDNCT07339891 on ClinicalTrials.gov

What this trial studies

This observational project will measure patients' experiences during an intensive care unit (ICU) stay and track their quality of life after discharge. Adults who stayed in ICU more than 48 hours will be invited to complete questionnaires about memories of the stay, post‑traumatic stress symptoms, and overall quality of life. The study excludes planned surgical admissions, recent ICU readmissions, patients under legal guardianship, and those unable to complete or understand French questionnaires. The work is conducted at the surgical ICU of CHU de Strasbourg and does not involve any clinical interventions.

Who should consider this trial

Good fit: Adults (≥18 years) who had an unplanned ICU stay longer than 48 hours and can read and complete questionnaires in French are the ideal candidates.

Not a fit: Patients admitted after scheduled surgery, those readmitted within 30 days, individuals under guardianship, or those unable to complete French questionnaires are unlikely to be eligible and would not benefit from participation.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, the results could identify modifiable aspects of ICU care (for example diaries or improved communication) that reduce post‑traumatic stress and improve quality of life after discharge.

How similar studies have performed: Previous qualitative and quantitative studies—including work on ICU logbooks/diaries—have shown links to reduced PTSD incidence, so similar approaches have shown promise.

Eligibility criteria

Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria:

* Adult patient (≥ 18 years)
* Stay in intensive care \> 48 hours

Exclusion Criteria:

* Admission to intensive care following scheduled surgery.
* Readmission to intensive care (previous admission within the 30 days prior).
* Patient under legal guardianship
* Inability to complete a questionnaire
* Poor reading and/or speaking comprehension of French
* Patient under guardianship or conservatorship.

Where this trial is running

Strasbourg

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 Post-traumatic Stress DisorderPost-traumatic stress disorderStay in intensive care
Last reviewed 2026-06-13 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.