A Study of the Feasibility of Early Psychological Support for the Critically Ill

Overview

About this study

The purpose of this study is to test the feasibility of a psychotherapeutic intervention for critically ill patients in intensive care units. The intervention is named Early Psychological Support for the Critically Ill (EPSCI).

Participation eligibility

Participant eligibility includes age, gender, type and stage of disease, and previous treatments or health concerns. Guidelines differ from study to study, and identify who can or cannot participate. There is no guarantee that every individual who qualifies and wants to participate in a trial will be enrolled. Contact the study team to discuss study eligibility and potential participation.

Inclusion Criteria

  • Critically ill adults admitted to the medical intensive care unit (ICU) and expected to stay >48 hours
  • Mechanically ventilated patients receiving vasopressors

Exclusion Criteria

  • History of
    • Dementia
    • Mental retardation 
    • Suicide attempt
    • Psychotic disorders such as schizophrenia
    • Patients on comfort care
    • Non-English speaking

Participating Mayo Clinic locations

Study statuses change often. Please contact the study team for the most up-to-date information regarding possible participation.

Mayo Clinic Location Status

Rochester, Minn.

Mayo Clinic principal investigator

Lioudmila Karnatovskaia, M.D.

Closed for enrollment

More information

Publications

  • Many survivors of acute respiratory failure suffer from mood disorders following discharge from the hospital. We investigated the feasibility of intensivists delivering psychological support based on positive suggestion (PSBPS) to 20 intubated patients to reduce their psychological distress. Thirteen patients completed follow-up surveys. Of those, 9 remembered the intensive care unit physician talking to them, and 7 described it as comforting. Five patients (38%) met criteria for anxiety, depression, and acute stress. In comparison to historical controls, intervention may be associated with lower estimated odds of anxiety. PSBPS can be performed with patients in parallel with medical treatment to potentially reduce psychological morbidity and to humanize critical care. A larger randomized study is warranted to assess the efficacy of PSBPS. Read More on PubMed
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CLS-20267883

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