CompletedInterventional

Can a self-management program help people manage fatigue after critical illness? A small, early study to check if a larger research study is possible

This early study looks at whether it's practical to run a larger research project for people who feel very tired after being seriously ill and treated in intensive care. Many people experience long-lasting fatigue, which is an overwhelming tiredness not fixed by rest, after leaving intensive care. We don't yet know the best way to help with this. Researchers have co-developed a fatigue management programme with healthcare staff and past intensive care patients. This study is checking if a full-scale study of this programme would work well. It will involve accessing a website and a phone call with a healthcare professional to help participants manage their fatigue at home.

At a glance

Status

Completed

Sponsor

Oxford Brookes University

Enrolment target

Start

15 Apr 2025

Estimated completion

31 Jan 2026

Fatigue after critical illness

What is this study about?

Many patients who have been very ill and spent time in intensive care often feel extremely tired, a feeling called fatigue. This isn't just regular tiredness; it's a deep exhaustion that doesn't get better with rest or sleep. This fatigue can stop people from doing everyday things like hobbies, going back to work, or even looking after themselves, and healthcare professionals are still looking for the best ways to help people cope with it.

Working alongside both healthcare experts and people who have experienced intensive care and fatigue themselves, a new support programme has been created. This programme is designed to help people manage their fatigue as they recover at home. Before running a big study to see how effective this programme is compared to usual care, this smaller, early-stage study is checking if the larger study can be set up and run properly.

Essentially, this research is a practice run to make sure everything is in place for a bigger study later on. It aims to get feedback from both patients and healthcare staff on the new programme and the study design itself. This helps to ensure that when the main study happens, it will be as helpful and well-designed as possible to find the best ways to support people recovering from critical illness.

Key takeaways

This is a pre-study to check if a larger research project on fatigue management is feasible.
It aims to understand how to best help people with extreme tiredness after intensive care.
The programme includes a website and a phone/video call with a healthcare professional.
Participation involves sharing your thoughts through questionnaires and interviews.
You will receive your standard hospital follow-up care as usual.
There's no direct personal benefit, but your input can help future patients.

Who may be eligible?

This study is looking for adults aged 18 or older who have recently been seriously ill and spent at least three days in intensive care. They must have needed a type of care called 'Level 3 care' (meaning they had problems with two or more organs or needed advanced breathing support) during their intensive care stay. They also need to be feeling tired when leaving the hospital, as measured by a specific questionnaire.

Patients will be invited to take part if they are being discharged from one of three large hospitals in England. They should also be expected to live for at least another 30 days after leaving the hospital.

However, if a person's critical illness was caused by a brain condition like a stroke or brain injury, or if they have a condition like multiple sclerosis, they won't be able to join this particular study. This is because these types of conditions can affect how fatigue is experienced and managed differently.

Could this study suit you?

Answer these quick questions to see if you may be eligible. This is a guide only — the research team makes the final call.

Are you 18 years old or older?
Have you spent at least 3 days in intensive care for a serious illness?
Were you feeling very tired when you left the hospital?
Are you being discharged from one of the participating English hospitals?
Do you not have a brain condition that caused or resulted from your intensive care stay (like a stroke)?
Are you expected to live for at least another month after leaving hospital?

Answer every question to see your result.

What does participation involve?

If you join this study, you'll continue to receive your usual follow-up care from the hospital. In addition to this, half of the people taking part will get access to a special self-management programme. This programme includes a website with advice on understanding and managing fatigue, along with tools to help you set goals and plan actions. You'll have access to this for six months after you leave hospital.

Three months after going home, you'll have a 30-minute phone or video call with a healthcare professional. They will help you set personal recovery goals and make plans to manage your fatigue. The researchers will also ask you to share your thoughts about the programme and the study by filling in questionnaires and possibly taking part in interviews. The study is expected to run from October 2024 to May 2026.

Potential risks and benefits

There aren't any direct medical benefits for you from taking part in this specific study. However, many people who join similar research studies find it rewarding to share their experiences and help improve future healthcare for others. Your participation will give healthcare professionals valuable insights into supporting people with fatigue after critical illness. There are no payments for taking part. There are very few risks involved. Just remember, when answering questions about your experiences during interviews or questionnaires, you might find yourself thinking about your critical illness and fatigue. This could be upsetting for some. If you feel this way, you can always take a break, stop the interview, or choose not to answer any questions that are too difficult. The research team can also direct you to support organisations like ICU Steps Charity or Critical Care Recovery, and your own GP or hospital follow-up clinic for additional help.

Locations (3)

Some site locations are approximate. We're improving this — please verify with the trial team before travelling.

Oxford University Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust
City only
Oxford, England
Guys and St Thomas' NHS Foundation Trust
City only
London, England
University Hospitals Coventry and Warwickshire NHS Trust
City only
Coventry, England

Common questions

What is 'critical illness' in this study?

Critical illness means being severely unwell, often needing intensive care in hospital for serious health problems.

What is 'fatigue' in this context?

It's an overwhelming physical and mental exhaustion that doesn't get better with rest or sleep, often experienced after a serious illness.

Will I get paid for taking part?

No, there are no financial payments for anyone participating in this particular study.

Who is funding this research?

This study is funded by the National Institute for Health and Care Research (NIHR) in the UK.

What if I feel upset during the study?

You can take a break, stop the interview, or skip questions. The researchers can also point you to support groups or advise you to contact your GP or hospital clinic.

How to find out more

Louise Stayt

lstayt@brookes.ac.uk - Official trial record

Always speak to your GP or specialist before deciding to take part in a study.