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Survey on Educational Priorities for Coma and Disorders of Consciousness (DoC)

The Curing Coma® Education Module, as part of the mission of the Curing Coma Campaign, recognizes the critical role of education in advancing the understanding and management of coma and disorders of consciousness (DoC). In light of findings from the COMETOGETHER survey (a Curing Coma Campaign initiative), which underscored the lack of consensus among healthcare professionals and inconsistent practices in coma care globally, there is a pressing need for standardized education across the continuum of care.

We conducted a pilot survey at the World Coma Day 2024 among the attendees to understand the educational needs and preferences of professionals, patients and caregivers. Given the keen interest and participation from attendees, we aim to broaden the scope of the survey to involve stakeholders worldwide, encompassing not only healthcare professionals but also patients and families, who play vital roles in advancing the field of coma and disorders of consciousness.

As we endeavor to develop and disseminate relevant education content across the globe, this survey aims to learn from global stakeholders, including healthcare professionals, patients, and families. Our goal is to foster a collaborative approach to coma education that empowers healthcare professionals, supports patients and families, and ultimately advances the field towards improved outcomes and quality of life for individuals affected by disorders of consciousness.

Aims of survey:

1. To identify the educational needs and preferences of global stakeholders (healthcare professionals, patients, and families) regarding coma and disorders of consciousness.
2. To determine gaps in current educational resources and content to address inconsistencies in care.
3. To understand the most effective methods for delivering educational materials to diverse audiences worldwide.

Duration: 5 minutes
Audience: All Members
Contact: Shraddha Mainali
Survey Closes: May 1, 2025

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Survey of Evaluation and Management Of External Ventricular Drain- Associated Infections

The aim of this survey is to describe the variability in clinical practice among neurocritical care providers in the diagnosis and treatment of potential EVD-associated infections. A survey questionnaire was developed by neurocritical care physicians (MR, MZ, AE, HK) and neurocritical care pharmacist (CM). The survey consists of 16 items designed to capture data on the respondent’s experience, institutional setting, and practice regarding clinical decision-making in initiation and de-escalation of antibiotic treatment of possible EVD-associated infection. We have designed three case scenarios to represent intermediate probability, low probability, and high probability scenarios for EVD-associated CNS infections to determine the range of provider practices for each scenario regarding antibiotic initiation. For each scenario, we will assess how decision-making may be influenced by CSF culture results, CSF lactate, and CSF Biofire. 

Duration: 10-15 minutes
Audience: All Members
Contact: Mohamed Ridha
Survey Closes: May 1, 2025

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Management of Hepatic DCD Donors Across the World 

This study is a joint project of the International Liver Transplantation Society (ILTS) and the Society for the Advancements of Transplant Anesthesia (SATA). The survey committee consists of anesthesiologists, critical care physicians, and transplant surgeons. The committee identified the initial critical areas of interest, and based on this assessment, the first preliminary questions were created. The questions underwent multiple revisions during the survey development process before being reviewed by the entire panel of authors to evaluate their validity prior to final acceptance. The questions included both dichotomous and multiple-choice formats, with some questions allowing free-text responses and the attachment of files. After final confirmation of the survey structure, a RedCap file was created. The final version underwent multiple modifications to enhance user-friendliness and compactness. The completed survey was then sent to six multidisciplinary reviewers— all from the field of organ transplantation—who were not part of the committee. The reviewers provided several suggestions and recommendations. After evaluating these recommendations and reaching an agreement among committee members, the final version of the survey was accepted.

Duration: 15-20 minutes
Audience: For ICU Medical Directors only
Contact:  Dmitri Bezinover
Survey Closes: May 1, 2025

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Neurorehabilitation Practices in Severely ill Patients in the Neuro-ICU: A Survey for Critical Care Providers

Neurorehabilitation plays a critical role in the recovery of patients admitted to the Neuro-Intensive Care Unit (NICU). While early rehabilitation interventions have been linked to improved functional outcomes in stroke and traumatic brain injury (TBI) patients, there remains a gap in standardized neurorehabilitation practices within the NICU setting. Studies suggest that early mobilization and therapy can enhance neuroplasticity, reduce ICU length of stay, and improve long-term recovery (Bernhardt et al., 2015). However, various barriers, including hemodynamic instability, intracranial pressure concerns, and institutional protocols, limit its implementation.

This survey aims to identify current neurorehabilitation practices, barriers to implementation, and potential avenues for standardization in NICUs globally. 
This is a survey to help understand the current practices in neurorehabilitation among critical care providers. The survey contains 27 questions, and the approximate duration for completion is 7-10 minutes. The survey will query respondent demographics and training but will not ask or collect any identifiable information. Participation in this survey is voluntary, and respondents may stop and discontinue the survey at any time. There will be no collection of any protected health information at any time.

Duration: 7-10 minutes
Audience: All Members
Contact:  Spyridoula Tsetsou
Survey Closes: May 1, 2025

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Survey on Penetrating Brain Injury (PBI) Management

You are invited to participate in a research study aimed at assessing current clinical and surgical management practices for penetrating brain injuries (PBI), identifying areas for improvement, and establishing a baseline for future guidelines.

Purpose of the Research:

The primary aims of this study are to:

1. Assess existing clinical and surgical management practices for PBI.
2. Identify gaps in current patient care approaches that require improvement.
3. Establish a baseline of current practice patterns before implementing updated PBI guidelines widely.

Duration: 20-30 minutes
Audience: Restrict to MDs, Restrict to APPs, Restrict to Trainees (fellows, residents, medical students)
Contact:  John H. Kanter
Survey Closes: June 1, 2025

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Pending approval from the Research Operations Sub-Committee, NCS Members are allowed the opportunity to post surveys for free-will participation from the NCS Membership. NOTE: Surveys are reviewed by the Committee on a monthly basis. Following submission of the form you will receive a follow up email from NCS staff regarding whether your survey has been approved. NOTE: Survey submissions are usually reviewed and approved on a monthly basis. Please provide ample time for review before following up.

If you would like to be considered to have your survey to be posted, please review the following requirements:

1. Review the NCS Policy and Procedures for research survey requests.
2. Complete the required Submission Form below.
3. If accepted, complete a Feedback Survey after the survey has closed.