Using EMDR to help mental health after intensive care
A Multi-centre, Randomised, Pilot Feasibility Study to Compare the Effectiveness of Eye-movement Desensitisation and Reprocessing Versus Usual Care in the Psychological Recovery of Intensive Care Survivors
This study is trying to see if adding EMDR therapy to regular care can help people who have had intensive care and are dealing with traumatic stress symptoms.
Quick facts
| Phase | Not applicable |
|---|---|
| Study type | Interventional |
| Enrollment | 160 (estimated) |
| Ages | 18 Years and up |
| Sex | All |
| Sponsor | University Hospital Southampton NHS Foundation Trust Academic / other |
| Locations | 2 sites (Poole, Dorset and 1 other locations) |
| Trial ID | NCT05591625 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
What this trial studies
This pilot feasibility study aims to evaluate the recruitment of intensive care survivors experiencing traumatic stress symptoms for a trial assessing the effectiveness of Eye Movement Desensitisation and Reprocessing (EMDR). Participants will be recruited at hospital discharge and undergo psychological assessments at 2-3 months post-discharge. Those with PTSD symptoms will be randomized to receive either usual care or usual care plus EMDR, while others will enter an observation arm. The study seeks to determine the feasibility and acceptability of EMDR for this population and to inform the design of future randomized controlled trials.
Who should consider this trial
Good fit: Ideal candidates are adults aged 18 and older who have survived an intensive care admission for more than 24 hours and exhibit symptoms of PTSD.
Not a fit: Patients with pre-existing cognitive impairments, psychosis, or those not expected to survive post-hospital discharge may not benefit from this study.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this study could provide an effective psychological intervention for improving mental health in survivors of critical illness.
How similar studies have performed: Previous studies have shown EMDR to be effective in various healthcare settings, but this specific application in intensive care survivors is novel and has not been systematically evaluated.
Eligibility criteria
Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria: * Survivors of an intensive care admission, who have received level 3 care for \>24 hours. * Aged ≥18 years * Capacity to provide informed consent and complete trial interventions and assessments. Exclusion Criteria: * Pre-existing cognitive impairment such as dementia * Pre-existing diagnosis of psychosis * Not expected to survive post-hospital discharge * Traumatic brain injury
Where this trial is running
Poole, Dorset and 1 other locations
- University Hospitals Dorset — Poole, Dorset, United Kingdom (Active_not_recruiting)
- University Hospital Southampton — Southampton, Hampshire, United Kingdom (Recruiting)
Study contacts
- Study coordinator: Andrew Bates
- Email: emerald@soton.ac.uk
- Phone: 023 8120 3170
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.