Critical care research

Some Critical Care Units actively participate in patient research

Conducting strictly regulated and carefully monitored research trials offers the opportunity to improve the way patients are treated and cared for.

Research trials enable us to safely evaluate new treatments or equipment and answer whether they may benefit future patients. Answers from research trials will continue to improve important outcomes for patients, such as survival free from disability.

Regulation

Research projects are very carefully regulated and the protection of all patients involved is the primary concern. Before any study can be started independent ethics committees have to approve the study. Each study proposal is reveiwed in great detail by experts to ensure that that the study planned is not only safe but is genuinely testing something we do not already know. 

Participating in research

A Research Nurse reviews whether patients are eligible to be enrolled into a critical care trial. If this is the case, having discussed it with the patient’s consultant, they may approach the patient or if the patient cannot communicate, their next of kin. They will be given all relevant information about the research trial and time to consider whether they want to take part or not. Participation in medical research projects is voluntary. If you or your family decide that you do not want to take part this will not affect your other care in any way.

Related Content

Clinician and patient
Going home following a critical care admission
Leaving hospital and going home is a huge step in your journey towards recovery
Recovery_after_ICU
Physical recovery
After a period of critical illness you may experience some changes such as fatigue, loss of appetite, headaches and changes in your sex-drive
Hand
Common psychological problems post ICU
It is very common for patients who have suffered a critical illness to experience psychological issues
ICU
Hallucinations following a critical care admission
Unfortunately many patients experience hallucinations, such as seeing things that aren’t there, whilst on critical care
Patients
Memory loss following a critical care admission
It is very common for patients who have been seriously ill to report that their memory is not as good as it was
Stress
Stress and anxiety following a critical care admission
The period of recovery after a critical illness can be very stressful
Patients
Post-traumatic stress disorder
Up to 1 in 10 of all critical care patients experience symptoms suggestive of post-traumatic stress disorder
Empty bed
Nightmares, dreams and poor sleep
It is very common for people who have been through a critical illness to experience very significant sleep disturbance in the recovery period
Waiting_room
The critical care follow-up clinic
If you have spent more than two-three days on Critical Care, you will be sent a letter inviting you to attend the follow-up clinic