Phenomenological memory characteristics and impact of near-death experience in critically ill survivors: Observations at discharge and after a 1-year follow-up.
International journal of clinical and health psychology : IJCHP – January 01, 2024
Source: PubMed
Summary
Fifteen percent of ICU survivors reported near-death experiences (NDE), highlighting a significant aspect of critical illness recovery. In a study involving 126 adult patients, 19 experienced NDEs characterized by altered time perception and heightened senses. One year later, 18% of those with NDEs and 24% without reported reduced fear of death. These findings underscore the lasting impact of memory related to life-threatening situations, suggesting that exploring these experiences can be clinically valuable for all ICU patients.
Abstract
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. 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 life-threatening 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. 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. Results emphasize the clinical importance of interviewing all ICU patients to explore any memory after an ICU stay.