Impact of Near-Death Experiences on Dialysis Patients: A Multicenter Collaborative Study

Among 710 dialysis patients in Taipei, Taiwan, 45 reported 51 near-death experiences (NDEs), with an average NDE score of 11.9. Out-of-body experiences occurred in 51% of NDEs, while tunnel experiences and precognitive visions were rare (under 10%). Those who had NDEs were more likely to be women and younger at the time of their life-threatening event. Greater religious activity correlated with higher NDE scores. Compared with patients who did not report an NDE, the NDE group reported being kinder to others and more motivated after their life-threatening events. The study suggests NDEs are not uncommon in dialysis patients and are linked to positive aftereffects.

Study at a glance

Abstract

BackgroundPeople who have come close to death may report an unusual experience known as a near-death experience (NDE). This study aims to investigate NDEs and their aftereffects in dialysis patients.Study designCross-sectional study.Setting & participants710 dialysis patients at 7 centers in Taipei, Taiwan.PredictorDemographic characteristics, life-threatening experience, depression, and religiosity.OutcomesNDE and self-perceived changes in attitudes or behaviors.MeasurementsGreyson's NDE scale, Royal Free Questionnaire, 10-Question Survey, Ring's Weighted Core Experience Index, and Beck Depression Inventory.Results45 patients had 51 NDEs. Mean NDE score was 11.9 (95% confidence interval, 11.0 to 12.9). Out-of-body experience was found in 51.0% of NDEs. Purported precognitive visions, awareness of being dead, and "tunnel experience" were uncommon (<10%). Compared with the no-NDE group, subjects in the NDE group were more likely to be women and younger at life-threatening events. Both frequency of participation in religious ceremonies and pious religious activity correlated significantly with NDE score in patients with NDEs (P < 0.01 and P = 0.01, respectively). The NDE group reported being kinder to others (P = 0.04) and more motivated (P = 0.02) after their life-threatening events than the no-NDE group.LimitationsDetermining the incidence of NDEs is dependent on self-reporting. Many NDEs occurred before the patient began long-term dialysis therapy. Causality between NDE and aftereffects cannot be inferred.ConclusionsNDE is not uncommon in the dialysis population and is associated with positive aftereffects. Nephrology care providers should be aware of the occurrence and aftereffects of NDEs. The high occurrence of life-threatening events, availability of medical records, and accessibility and cooperativeness of patients make the dialysis population very suitable for NDE research.