What is the Perceived Role of Risk in DOC Healthcare.

What is the Perceived Role of Risk in the Healthcare Received by People in Disorders of Consciousness (DOC)?

Critical ethnography exploring how decisions are made on behalf of people in disorder of consciousness (DOC).

Prospective longitudinal case study design including observation, field interview and video reflexive ethnography.

Inclusion Criteria:

• People in a DOC:
• Working diagnosis of being in a DOC.
• Have an appropriate family member able to act as a consultee.
• Over 18 years of age.

Family members and healthcare workers:

• conversational English.
• able to give consent.
• over 18 years of age.
• Involved in decision making on behalf of a person in a DOC

Exclusion Criteria:

Person in a Disorder of Consciousness

• Not in a DOC, diagnosis uncertain, or appears to be emerging.
• Clinically unstable or approaching the end of their life.