Ayako Noguchi1, Koji Hosokawa2, Fumimasa Amaya3, Isao Yokota4. 1. Department of Nursing, University Hospital, Kyoto Prefectural University of Medicine, 465 Kajii-cho, Kawaramachi Hirokouji-agaru Kamigyo-ku, Kyoto 602-8566, Japan. Electronic address: ayausa@koto.kpu-m.ac.jp. 2. Department of Emergency and Critical Care Medicine, Graduate School of Biomedical and Health Sciences, Hiroshima University, 1-2-3 Kasumi, Minami-ku, Hiroshima 734-8551, Japan. Electronic address: khosok@hiroshima-u.ac.jp. 3. Department of Pain Management and Palliative Care Medicine, Kyoto Prefectural University of Medicine, 465 Kajii-cho, Kawaramachi Hirokouji-agaru Kamigyo-ku, Kyoto 602-8566, Japan. Electronic address: ama@koto.kpu-m.ac.jp. 4. Department of Biostatistics, Graduate School of Medicine, Hokkaido University, Kita 8, Nishi 5, Kita-ku, Sapporo, Hokkaido 060-8638, Japan. Electronic address: yokotai@pop.med.hokudai.ac.jp.
Abstract
OBJECTIVES: Currently, light sedation is typically given to patients in intensive care units and studies have not extensively examined the factors related to absences or abnormalities of their memories. We, therefore, analysed the factors related to the absence/abnormalities of patients' memories in intensive care units. RESEARCH METHODOLOGY: A secondary analysis of previously collected survey data examining patients' experiences in an intensive care unit was undertaken (n = 405; women = 38%; median age = 70 years). To observe absent or distorted memories, patients were interviewed after leaving the intensive care unit. We analysed key factors through content analysis of the interviews and field notes. SETTING: The intensive care unit of a university hospital. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURE: Patients' absent or distorted memories after leaving the intensive care unit. RESULTS: Half the patients reported an absence of memories. This was associated with old age and with longer duration of mechanical ventilation. Absent or fragmentary memories were not distressing. Fragmentary and fearful intensive care unit memories were associated with being older. Delusional memories, some of which reflected actual events, were present in 3% of patients. CONCLUSION: Absence of memories were not distressing, delusional memories occurred less and these memories could comprise of an event in ICU that is difficult for patients to understand.
OBJECTIVES: Currently, light sedation is typically given to patients in intensive care units and studies have not extensively examined the factors related to absences or abnormalities of their memories. We, therefore, analysed the factors related to the absence/abnormalities of patients' memories in intensive care units. RESEARCH METHODOLOGY: A secondary analysis of previously collected survey data examining patients' experiences in an intensive care unit was undertaken (n = 405; women = 38%; median age = 70 years). To observe absent or distorted memories, patients were interviewed after leaving the intensive care unit. We analysed key factors through content analysis of the interviews and field notes. SETTING: The intensive care unit of a university hospital. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURE: Patients' absent or distorted memories after leaving the intensive care unit. RESULTS: Half the patients reported an absence of memories. This was associated with old age and with longer duration of mechanical ventilation. Absent or fragmentary memories were not distressing. Fragmentary and fearful intensive care unit memories were associated with being older. Delusional memories, some of which reflected actual events, were present in 3% of patients. CONCLUSION: Absence of memories were not distressing, delusional memories occurred less and these memories could comprise of an event in ICU that is difficult for patients to understand.