Seizure Identification on the Intensive Care Unit (ICU)
This study investigates how accurately different NHS professionals, such as doctors, nurses, and specialist scientists, can identify seizures in seriously ill patients. They will watch video clips of patient movements on the Intensive Care Unit (ICU) and decide if they are seizures or not. It's often hard to tell the difference between seizures and other involuntary movements, like shivering or jerking, especially in the ICU where brain wave tests (EEGs) can be difficult to interpret. By understanding how well staff can identify seizures just by watching, researchers hope to improve training and patient care. The goal is to ensure patients get the right diagnosis and treatment more quickly.
At a glance
What is this study about?
Patients who are very unwell in the Intensive Care Unit (ICU) can sometimes have seizures, which are sudden bursts of uncontrolled electrical activity in the brain. However, they can also make many other types of movements that look similar, such as shivering, jerking, or tremors. This makes it very difficult for healthcare professionals to tell the difference using just their eyes.
Usually, a special test called an Electroencephalogram (EEG) is used to record brain activity and confirm if someone is having a seizure. But in the ICU, EEGs can be hard to read because of all the other medical equipment and patient movements. This means that staff often have to rely on what they see to decide if a patient is having a seizure.
This study wants to find out how good different NHS staff — including specialist neurophysiology scientists, doctors, and nurses — are at recognising seizures just by watching video clips of patients in the ICU. They will be asked to say whether they think a movement is a seizure and explain why. The aim is to help us understand where improvements can be made so that patients get the correct diagnosis and treatment as quickly as possible.
Key takeaways
- This study focuses on improving seizure detection in severely ill patients.
- It aims to understand how well healthcare staff can identify seizures from video.
- Better identification leads to quicker, more accurate diagnosis and treatment.
- Participants will watch video clips and share their professional opinion.
- The study helps training and guidelines for NHS staff in intensive care.
Who may be eligible?
This study is for healthcare professionals working at Nottingham University Hospitals (NUH) who have specific experience with seriously ill patients in intensive care or with brain activity tests.
To take part, you need to be a Neurophysiology Scientist (Band 7 or above), a Neurophysiologist with at least one year of adult ICU experience, a doctor in the Neurology team or an Intensivist (an ICU doctor) with at least one year of adult ICU experience, or a nurse working in the ICU with at least one year of experience. You also need to be a direct employee of NUH.
If you are an agency staff member at NUH, or if your role doesn't fit into the groups listed above, then unfortunately, you won't be able to take part in this particular study.
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 staff at Nottingham University Hospitals (NUH)?
- Are you a Neurophysiology Scientist (Band 7+), Neurophysiologist with 1+ year ICU experience, Neurology doctor with 1+ year ICU experience, an Intensivist with 1+ year adult ICU experience, or an ICU nurse with 1+ year experience?
- Are you a direct employee of NUH (not agency staff)?
- Does your role fit into one of the specific staff groups mentioned?
What does participation involve?
If you are eligible and choose to take part, you will be asked to watch a series of short video clips showing various patient movements in an Intensive Care Unit. After each video, you will be asked to decide if you believe the movement is a seizure or not. You will also be asked to explain your reasoning behind your decision. There are no medications involved, no follow-up visits, and no changes to your usual work. The total time commitment will be for the duration of watching the videos and providing your responses.
Potential risks and benefits
Locations (1)
- Nottingham University HospitalsVerified postcodeNottingham, United Kingdom· Recruiting
Common questions
What is a seizure?
A seizure is a temporary burst of uncontrolled electrical activity in the brain, which can cause changes in movement, behaviour, or awareness.
Why is it hard to tell if someone in intensive care is having a seizure?
Patients in intensive care can have movements that look like seizures, such as shivering or jerking, and special brain activity tests (EEGs) are often difficult to read there due to equipment and patient factors.
What is the purpose of this study?
The study aims to see how accurately different NHS staff can spot seizures in videos of seriously ill patients to help improve training and patient care.
Will my answers affect my job?
No, your participation and answers will be kept confidential and will not affect your employment or professional standing.
How long will it take to participate?
The time commitment will involve watching the video clips and providing your responses, which should not take a significant amount of your time.
How to find out more
James S Baird
Always speak to your GP or specialist before deciding to take part in a study.
Interested in taking part?
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