RecruitingObservational

Understanding how post-ICU follow-up is delivered within the role of critical care outreach teams

This study aims to understand how Critical Care Outreach Teams (CCOTs) currently support patients who have left intensive care (ICU) and are recovering on hospital wards. Many patients struggle after ICU, with some dying unexpectedly or being readmitted to hospital. Even though many hospitals have follow-up services, there isn't a clear, standard way to help everyone. This research is the first step in creating a new pathway called 'Enhanced Recovery after Critical Care' (ERACC). By observing staff and interviewing staff, patients, and their families, researchers hope to gather vital information to design better support, improve recovery, and reduce problems for patients after their ICU stay.

At a glance

Status

Recruiting

Sponsor

University of Oxford

Enrolment target

Start

01 Oct 2025

Estimated completion

30 Jun 2026

Post-intensive care unit in-hospital ward stay

What is this study about?

Imagine you've been seriously ill and spent time in intensive care (ICU). When you leave ICU, you'd expect to get better and eventually go home. However, for many people, the journey after ICU can be tough. Sadly, some patients die unexpectedly after leaving ICU, and nearly a third of those who go home end up back in hospital within three months. This happens even though many hospitals have teams that are supposed to look after patients once they've left intensive care.

Currently, there isn't one clear way that hospitals provide this follow-up care, which means it can be different depending on where you are. This study is the very first step in a bigger plan called 'Enhanced Recovery after Critical Care' (ERACC). The main goal of ERACC is to create a new, clear way to support patients much better after they leave ICU.

To achieve this, the researchers first need to understand what's happening right now. They want to see how Critical Care Outreach Teams (CCOTs) — the special teams who look after patients who are seriously ill or getting better after a serious illness — deliver care in hospitals across the UK. By carefully watching these teams and talking to them, as well as to patients and their families, the study hopes to gather important information. This will help them design a new, improved care plan that helps people recover better and stay healthy after their time in intensive care.

Key takeaways

Understanding current care after intensive care (ICU).
Developing a new, improved pathway for patient recovery (ERACC).
Involves interviews with staff, patients, and families.
No known risks, but interviews may cover sensitive topics.
Aims to improve support and reduce hospital readmissions.
Your participation can help shape future NHS care.

Who may be eligible?

This study is looking for a few different groups of people. Firstly, they want to speak with staff members who work in Critical Care Outreach Teams and other staff involved in helping patients after ICU. These staff members must be over 18 and willing to share their experiences or be observed while working.

They also want to hear from adult patients (over 18) who have recently been transferred from ICU to a regular hospital ward. Your experiences are very important to shaping future care. Finally, they are also welcoming family members (over 18) of patients who have been in ICU to participate. This includes spouses, children, siblings, or close friends, as their perspective is also valuable.

To take part, everyone must be willing and able to give their agreement (known as 'informed consent') and be able to participate in a conversation about their experiences.

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?
Are you a current staff member in a Critical Care Outreach Team or involved in post-ICU care?
Have you recently moved from ICU to a hospital ward?
Are you a close family member or friend of someone who moved from ICU to a hospital ward?
Are you willing to discuss your experiences in an interview?
Can you give your permission to take part?

Answer every question to see your result.

What does participation involve?

If you decide to take part in this study, it would involve one interview. During this interview, you would talk about your experiences and thoughts on the care patients receive after leaving intensive care. For staff members, the study might also involve researchers observing you as you do your job caring for patients who have left ICU. This is a one-time conversation or observation, and the researchers will make sure you are comfortable throughout the process. The study is planned to run from July 2025 to June 2026.

Potential risks and benefits

A positive aspect of joining this study is that you would be directly contributing to designing better care for patients leaving intensive care in the future, potentially helping many people. There are no known physical risks involved in this study. However, because the interviews might touch on challenging or sensitive topics related to serious illness, the researchers are trained to handle these conversations with care. They will offer support and can also suggest where you can find further help if you need it after the interview. You are always free to stop participating at any time without giving a reason.

Locations (5)

Royal Berkshire NHS Foundation Trust
City only
Reading, England
The Dudley Group NHS Foundation Trust
City only
Dudley, England
Queen Elizabeth Hospital Kings Lynn
Approximate
King's Lynn, England
University Hospital Southampton
City only
Southampton, England
Leeds Teaching Hospitals NHS Trust
City only
Leeds, England

Common questions

What is an 'ICU'?

ICU stands for Intensive Care Unit, which is a special part of the hospital for patients who are very seriously ill and need constant monitoring and support.

What is a 'Critical Care Outreach Team'?

These are special teams of healthcare professionals in a hospital who look after patients who are becoming very unwell outside of ICU, or who have recently left ICU and need extra support.

Will my personal details be kept private?

Yes, all information you share will be kept confidential and your identity will be protected throughout the study.

How long will the interview take?

The study mentions 'a single interview', but does not specify the exact duration. The researchers will be able to tell you this upfront.

Who is paying for this research?

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

How to find out more

Sarah Vollam

eracc@ndcn.ox.ac.uk +44 (0)1865 231456 Official trial record

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