Withdrawal of life-sustaining treatment affects 10-15% of ICU patients, including those with severe acute brain injury, whose care appears futile in terms of prognosis based on clinical and paraclinical data, expected quality of life, patient preferences, age, or reduced quality of life. There are few studies on withholding treatment compared with withdrawing treatment, and even fewer on survivors after a decision to withhold treatment. Quality of life is defined by WHO as "an individual's perception of his or her position in life in the context of the culture and value systems in which he or she lives and in relation to his or her goals, expectations, standards and concerns". The relationship between quality of life and neurological outcome after severe acute brain injury is controversial and therefore difficult to predict. That's why the investigators question the legitimacy of making decisions to withhold treatment from patients with severe acute brain injury based on their expected quality of life, when this prediction is uncertain.
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.
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.
Generated to help you prepare — always confirm anything about your own eligibility and care with the study team and your doctor.
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.
A starting point for the conversation — always confirm anything about your own eligibility, costs, and care with the study team and your doctor.
Interpretative Phenomenological Analysis
Timeframe: 24 months after ICU discharge