Exploring Experience of Unconscious ICU Patients: Are the Medically Induced Comatose Aware of Their Surroundings?
Abstract
This study explores whether patients in a medically induced coma are aware of their surroundings. If the findings suggest that patients are aware of their surroundings and can hear and remember things, such as nurses talking to them during care, the study may help improve the quality of patient care in the ICU by using therapeutic communication to reduce fear and anxiety during such a detrimental experience. This is a simple descriptive study using a self-report online survey through ETSU REDCap and an optional interview. The survey includes questions asking for basic demographics, the reason why the participant was in a medically induced coma, the length of the comatose period, whether they were able to hear, feel, or see anything, and things that stood out to them regarding nursing care while they were in a medically induced coma. It also asks whether they would like to discuss their experience in person to provide more detail and share their story. Participants can skip questions if they prefer not to answer certain items. During the interview, I typed summaries of the participant’s responses. This study is advertised using Facebook and Instagram. A poster with a QR code that directs individuals to the survey was posted, so it can be shared by others if wanted. The expected outcome of this study is that participants were aware of their surroundings while in a medically induced coma and were able to remember what was going on. If they experienced any fear or anxiety, what helped them reduce it, and what made them feel not isolated. Since the survey will be self-reported, the data collected may have relatively low reliability; however, it will be valuable to explore individuals’ experiences as it can contribute to enhancing patient care.
Start Time
16-4-2025 1:30 PM
End Time
16-4-2025 2:30 PM
Room Number
271
Presentation Type
Oral Presentation
Presentation Subtype
UG Orals
Presentation Category
Health and STEM
Faculty Mentor
Kendra Todt
Exploring Experience of Unconscious ICU Patients: Are the Medically Induced Comatose Aware of Their Surroundings?
271
This study explores whether patients in a medically induced coma are aware of their surroundings. If the findings suggest that patients are aware of their surroundings and can hear and remember things, such as nurses talking to them during care, the study may help improve the quality of patient care in the ICU by using therapeutic communication to reduce fear and anxiety during such a detrimental experience. This is a simple descriptive study using a self-report online survey through ETSU REDCap and an optional interview. The survey includes questions asking for basic demographics, the reason why the participant was in a medically induced coma, the length of the comatose period, whether they were able to hear, feel, or see anything, and things that stood out to them regarding nursing care while they were in a medically induced coma. It also asks whether they would like to discuss their experience in person to provide more detail and share their story. Participants can skip questions if they prefer not to answer certain items. During the interview, I typed summaries of the participant’s responses. This study is advertised using Facebook and Instagram. A poster with a QR code that directs individuals to the survey was posted, so it can be shared by others if wanted. The expected outcome of this study is that participants were aware of their surroundings while in a medically induced coma and were able to remember what was going on. If they experienced any fear or anxiety, what helped them reduce it, and what made them feel not isolated. Since the survey will be self-reported, the data collected may have relatively low reliability; however, it will be valuable to explore individuals’ experiences as it can contribute to enhancing patient care.