Protocol and Fidelity Monitoring Plan for Four Supports. A Multicenter Trial of an Intervention to Support Surrogate Decision Makers in Intensive Care Units

What is it about?

The family members of critically-ill ICU patients are often called upon to make medical decisions on behalf of their ill loved one. Acting in the role of decision maker can be highly stressful, and those family members who have served in this capacity often experience anxiety and distress, which can persist beyond the ICU stay. Some even experience symptoms of PTSD. Researchers are seeking ways to support family members who are engaged in decision making for a critically-ill family member. This paper describes a study that currently being conducted. The study uses a social worker or nurse with communication training to support family members of critically ill ICU patients and seeks to determine if this form of support is effective in reducing family members' psychological distress.

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