Phenomenological memory characteristics and impact of near-death experience in critically ill survivors: Observations at discharge and after a 1-year follow-up
Near-death experience Memory Critical illness Phenomenology Impact Haut du formulaire
Abstract :
[en] Background: It is not rare that intensive care unit (ICU) patients report unusual subjective experiences, ranging from a feeling of harmony with the environment to complex phenomena such as near-death experience (NDE). This 1-year follow-up study investigates the characteristics and potential global impact of the NDE memories recalled by ICU survivors. Method: We prospectively enrolled 126 adult survivors of a prolonged (>7days) ICU stay (all etiologies), including 19 (15 %) who reported a NDE as identified by the Greyson NDE scale. The NDE group underwent a semi-structured interview one month later evaluating their memory characteristics and the associated lifethreatening situation. One year after inclusion, all patients (regardless of whether they recalled an NDE) were contacted for a follow-up Greyson NDE scale assessment and questions about their ICU experience and opinions on death since discharge. Results: The Greyson NDE scale revealed that the most frequently reported features were altered time perception, heightened senses and life review, and the Greyson total scores did not evolve over time. NDE memories persisted, with a consequent number of phenomenological characteristics (e.g., visual details, emotions). One year post-ICU, two patients (18 %) of the NDE group and 12 (24 %) of the non-NDE group were less afraid of death. Conclusions: Results emphasize the clinical importance of interviewing all ICU patients to explore any memory after an ICU stay.
Research Center/Unit :
CHU de Liège-Centre du Cerveau² - ULiège
Disciplines :
Neurosciences & behavior
Author, co-author :
Martial, Charlotte ; Université de Liège - ULiège > GIGA > GIGA Consciousness - Coma Science Group
Fritz, Pauline ; Université de Liège - ULiège > GIGA > GIGA Consciousness - Coma Science Group
CASSOL, Héléna ; Centre Hospitalier Universitaire de Liège - CHU > > Service de médecine de l'appareil locomoteur
Gosseries, Olivia ; Université de Liège - ULiège > GIGA > GIGA Consciousness - Coma Science Group
Lambermont, Bernard ; Université de Liège - ULiège > GIGA > GIGA In silico medecine - Biomechanics Research Unit
Misset, Benoît ; Université de Liège - ULiège > Département des sciences cliniques > Soins intensifs
Rousseau, Anne-Françoise ; Université de Liège - ULiège > Département de pharmacie > Chimie médicale
Language :
English
Title :
Phenomenological memory characteristics and impact of near-death experience in critically ill survivors: Observations at discharge and after a 1-year follow-up
Publication date :
June 2024
Journal title :
International Journal of Clinical and Health Psychology
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