Episodes of (Dis)Connected Consciousness in ICU Survivors

Episodes of (Dis)Connected Consciousness Among Patients Who Survived a Critical Illness

This single-center observational study aims to describe the incidence of episodes of connected consciousness and disconnected consciousness (including near-death experience (NDE) and out-of-body experiences) in patients who survived a prolonged stay of at least 7 days in the intensive care unit (ICU) and who had at least one episode of pharmacological or non-pharmacological coma. The investigators are also investigating the risk factors related to these episodes of consciousness. A follow-up at six months aims to explore the long-term psychological implications of these episodes.

Inclusion Criteria:

• Adult patients who survived a ≥7 days stay in the intensive care unit
• Experienced a pharmacological or non-pharmacological episode of loss of consciousness
• French speaking

Exclusion Criteria:

• Refusal
• Chronic disorder of consciousness
• Confusion or delirium
• Deafness
• Blindness
• Aphasia