Part 1
What is the purpose of the survey?
The purpose of this survey is to help in understanding the real life experiences of people who have had Near-Death-Experience (NDE). It is hoped that the information obtained will help to improve the care and support people who are recovering from cardiac arrest (CA), people under coma or different vegetative states, and to improve resuscitation.
Why have I been chosen?
I am inviting you to take part if you have had NDE. I am very interested to hear your story. The attached questionnaires have been established and assessed by researchers in the field and their purpose is to better understand your NDE and the way it affected your life.
Do I have to take part?
No. It is up to you to decide whether you wish to take part. If you decide to take part, you are still free to withdraw at any time, without giving any reasons. If you are part of the NDE UK support group, your decision to withdraw at any time, or decision not to take part, will not affect the standard of care that you receive from the group leader or members.
What will happen if I take part?
If you agree to take part, your participation will involve filling in two questionnaires. Some participants will be also chosen for a personal interview (about an hour) The interview will be electronically recorded using a small digital recorder or a smartphone. When I analyse what you have said or filled in on paper, all information will be anonymised; this means that it will be impossible to identify anybody taking part.
What do I have to do?
If you agree to participate in this survey, you will have to complete a consent form which is included below. The two questionnaires will follow the consent form. When you complete them, click 'send' at the bottom of the page and I will receive your answers. If chosen for an interview, I will contact you via email or phone to arrange a convenient time for you to meet. You can choose to participate in the survey but not in the interview, so you can always decide later about being interviewed.
Are there any risks?
No. The interview and/or the questionnaires should not present you with any risk and you are free to withdraw your consent at any time.
What are the possible benefits of taking part?
The benefit of your participation in this survey is that the information provided should help to improve the care and support provided to other people who are recovering from cardiac arrest (CA), people under coma or different vegetative states, and hopefully to improve resuscitation. Unfortunately, it may not directly benefit you.
What if there is a problem?
It is unlikely that something may go wrong during the interview or the completion of the questionnaires, however if this does happen, it will be dealt with immediately. Detailed information on this is given in Part 2.
Will my taking part in this survey be kept confidential?
Yes. All the information about your participation in this survey will be kept confidential. The details are included in Part 2.
What happens when the survey is finished?
If you wish, I will send you a summary of the findings when the survey finishes.