A Randomized Controlled Trial to Test the Effectiveness of a Multi-faceted Communication Intervention for Family Members of Critically Ill Patients.
Overview
- Phase
- N/A
- Intervention
- Not specified
- Conditions
- Physician-Family Communication in Intensive Care Units
- Sponsor
- University of Pittsburgh
- Enrollment
- 159
- Locations
- 1
- Primary Endpoint
- Patient Outcome: Patient centeredness of care
- Status
- Completed
- Last Updated
- 12 years ago
Overview
Brief Summary
The purpose of this study is to test the effectiveness of a multi-faceted communication intervention for family members of critically ill patients to reduce the family members' long-term symptoms of depression and anxiety.
Detailed Description
One in four elderly Americans die in or shortly after discharge from an intensive care unit. An expanding body of literature documents that physician-family communication and end-of-life care is poor in intensive care units. These deficiencies are associated with high rates of adverse psychological outcomes among surrogates, physician-family conflict, and life support decisions that may be inconsistent with patients' goals and preferences. There is a lack on information on practical, generalizable interventions that effectively improve this important aspect of care for elderly patients and their families. The primary aim of this study is to evaluate the effectiveness of a multifaceted communication intervention to improve psychological outcomes among family members of critically ill patients, using a randomized, controlled trial design.
Investigators
Eligibility Criteria
Inclusion Criteria
- Not provided
Exclusion Criteria
- Not provided
Outcomes
Primary Outcomes
Patient Outcome: Patient centeredness of care
Time Frame: Three months following patient death or discharge from the ICU.
Family Outcome: Family members' depressive symptoms
Time Frame: Three months following patient death or discharge from the ICU.