CompletedNot Applicable

Simple Cognitive Task After Trauma

Sweden42 participantsStarted 2019-01-11

Plain-language summary

This research study is designed to investigate the effects of a simple cognitive task (a memory cue following by playing the computer game "Tetris") on intrusive memories ("flashbacks") and other symptoms after a traumatic event. Patients presenting to a hospital emergency department soon after a traumatic event will be randomly allocated to either the simple cognitive task intervention or control. Participants will be followed up at one week and one month, and where possible 3 and 6 months. It is predicted that participants given the simple cognitive task intervention will develop fewer intrusive memories and less severe clinical symptoms than those who are not. This will inform the potential future development of a simple technique to prevent distressing psychological symptoms after a traumatic event. Implementation aspects in a new hospital context will also be explored. Patients use their smartphone for part of the intervention in the study.

Who can participate

Age range

18 Years

Sex

ALL

See this in plain English?

AI-rewrites the medical criteria so a patient or caregiver can understand them. Always confirm with the trial site.

Inclusion Criteria: * Aged 18 or over * Experienced or witnessed a traumatic event resulting in admission to the emergency department for example a road traffic accident (as a driver, passenger, motorcyclist, cyclist or pedestrian) * Met the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, 5th Edition (DSM5) criterion A for Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) ("The person was exposed to: death, threatened death, actual or threatened serious injury, or actual or threatened sexual violence" by "Direct exposure" or "Witnessing the trauma") ) * Can be seen in the emergency department within 6 hours after the traumatic event * Report memory of the accident * Fluent in Swedish * Alert and orientated * Have sufficient physical mobility use the intervention platform (their smartphone) to play a computer game or engage in other smartphone activities at the point of taking informed consent (i.e. sufficient use of hands). * Willing and able to provide informed consent and complete study procedures * Willing and able to be contacted following discharge to complete follow-up assessments * Have access to an internet enabled smartphone * in addition to point above "can be seen in the emergency department within 6 hours after the traumatic event", from mid May 2019, to also include patients presenting later to the emergency department if still within 72 hours of the event Exclusion Criteria: * Loss of consciousness of \> 5 minutes * Current intoxication * Report a history of sever…

Questions worth asking your doctor

Bring these to your next appointment. They're a starting point for a shared conversation — not a sign you qualify or a recommendation to enrol.

1Based on my diagnosis and history, is this trial worth exploring for me — or is there a standard treatment we should try first?
2What does this trial's phase tell us about how much is already known about its safety and benefit?
3What would taking part actually involve for me — visits, tests, time, and travel?
4What are the known and possible risks or side effects I should weigh, and how would they be monitored?
5If this trial isn't the right fit, what other options or trials would you suggest I look into?

Generated to help you prepare — always confirm anything about your own eligibility and care with the study team and your doctor.

Questions for the trial coordinator

The trial coordinator is the person who runs the study day to day. These cover the practical side — logistics, costs, and what taking part would actually mean for your life. The study team confirms whether you meet the criteria; these are questions to ask, not a sign you qualify.

1What does taking part actually involve week to week — how many visits, where, and how long does each one take?
2What costs are covered by the study, and what might I have to pay for myself, including travel, parking, or time off work?
3What happens during screening, and what happens if the study team confirms I don't meet the criteria after those tests?
4Who pays for the scans, blood work, and other tests the trial requires — the study, my insurance, or me?
5How will being in the trial affect my regular care, and will my own doctor stay informed and involved?
6Can I leave the trial at any point if I change my mind, and what would happen to my care if I do?

A starting point for the conversation — always confirm anything about your own eligibility, costs, and care with the study team and your doctor.

What they're measuring

Number of intrusive memories of traumatic event

Timeframe: Week 1

Trial details

NCT IDNCT03509792

SponsorKarolinska Institutet

Sponsor typeOTHER

Study typeINTERVENTIONAL

Primary completion2019-07-12

View on ClinicalTrials.gov More Post-traumatic Stress Disorders trials