Primary objective is to evaluate the feasibility of delivering an online early Eye Movement Desensitisation Reprocessing (EMDR) Recent Traumatic Events Protocol (R-TEP) to patients who have survived Covid-19 related critical illness, within the context of a randomised controlled trial (RCT). This will inform the design of a future RCT investigating the effectiveness of EMDR R-TEP in reducing psychological symptoms, for adult survivors of intensive care.
A significant number of patients worldwide, have been admitted to intensive care suffering
from Covid-19 related organ failure. Patients who survive a period of critical illness have a
disproportionately high chance of suffering from significant and persistant poor
psychological outcomes.
Eye-Movement Desensitisation and Reprocessing (EMDR) has reduced incidence of psychological
morbidity in war veterans and victims of man-made and natural disasters. Small studies have
also shown it to be effective in healthcare settings, within the Emergency department,
following cancer diagnosis and implantation of cardioverter defibrillators. EMDR is validated
by UK National Institute of Clinical Excellence guidance for use in treating adult onset
PTSD.
Because of ongoing social distancing guidance our study programme aims to investigate whether
it is feasible to treat patients with an early online Eye Movement Desensitisation
Reprocessing (EMDR) intervention, delivered soon after hospital discharge and whether this
intervention will improve psychological outcome for survivors of critical illness.
Other: Eye Movement Desensitisation and Reprocessing Recent traumatic Event Protocol
EMDR is a form of psychotherapy treatment whereby the client verbally relates a narrative of a traumatic episode or emotionally disturbing material in brief sequential doses while simultaneously focusing on an external stimulus. The EMDR Recent-Traumatic Events protocol (R-TEP) aims to enable an individual to process memories of the event in order to reduce psychological morbidity. EMDR R-TEP should be delivered within 3-months of the onset of a traumatic event.
Inclusion Criteria:
- Acute admission to Critical Care who have required mechanical ventilation for at least
24 hours
- PCR confirmed Covid-19 positive
- >18 years of age
- Capacity to provide informed consent
Exclusion Criteria:
- Acute brain injury
- Cognitive impairment
- Pre-existing psychotic diagnosis
- Not expected to survive post-hospital discharge
- Refusal to grant consent
University Hospital Southampton NHS Foundation Trust
Southampton, Hamphsire, United Kingdom
Michael P Grocott, MD, Principal Investigator
University Hospital Southampton NHS Foundation Trust