BRIDGE: A program to help families make decisions for critically ill kids
Official title: Building Relationship, Improving Dialogue, and Growing Empathy (BRIDGE): An Intervention to Support Decision Making for Critically Ill Children
Run by Duke University · NCT07390773 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This intervention tests whether the BRIDGE program helps parents of seriously ill young children feel more prepared to make decisions and less regret about those choices.
Quick facts
| Study type | Interventional |
|---|---|
| Sex | All |
| Enrollment | 495 (estimated) |
| Sponsor | Duke University Academic / other |
| Locations | 3 sites (San Francisco, California and 2 other locations) |
| Status | Recruiting |
| Started | August 3, 2026 |
| Main results expected | January 1, 2029 |
| Study ends | July 1, 2029 |
| Registry record updated | September 8, 2026 |
| Trial ID | NCT07390773 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
Is this trial a fit for you?
✓Likely a good fit
Parents of children under age 5 in critical care who anticipate major care decisions and who speak English or Spanish.
✕Probably not a fit
Families without access to the BRIDGE program or those not experiencing upcoming major decisions may not see benefit.
A plain-English reading of the study's rules. Only the study team can confirm whether you qualify.
What this trial studies
BRIDGE is an interventional study in neonatal and pediatric critical illness focusing on parent decision-making. The program aims to improve communication between parents and the health care team and foster empathy during tough care discussions. Participants include parents of children under 5 who recently entered a critical care unit and who anticipate difficult care decisions, along with their clinical teams. Parents complete surveys at baseline, 2 weeks, 6 months, and 12 months, and some may participate in interviews to share their experiences. The study is conducted across multiple centers and led by Duke University with NICHD support.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, BRIDGE could help families feel more confident and less regret when making life-and-death decisions for their child.
How similar studies have gone: Previous work suggests structured communication and decision-support can improve caregiver satisfaction in critical illness, but BRIDGE explores its impact specifically on neonatal/pediatric ICU decisions.
Who can join: the full rules
Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria: Child inclusion criteria will include: * Age \< 5 years * Admission to a critical care unit within the preceding 14 days * An anticipated serious health care decision, defined as a decision about initiating, not initiating, or withdrawing life-sustaining treatment and/or a decision about major intervention. Parent inclusion criteria will include: * Age ≥ 18 years * The ability speak English or Spanish. Clinician inclusion criteria will include * Clinical team member of an enrolled child and parent in the intervention group * Completion of residency or equivalent training. Exclusion Criteria: * Children, parents or clinicians who do not meet the inclusion criteria above.
Where it's running
-
Duke University
Durham, North Carolina, United States Recruiting -
University of California San Francisco
San Francisco, California, United States Not yet recruiting -
Johns Hopkins University
Baltimore, Maryland, United States Not yet recruiting
Study contacts
- Principal investigator: Monica Lemmon, MD — Duke University
- Study coordinator: Brittany Nave
- Email: brittany.nave@duke.edu
- Phone: 919-684-8087
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How to take part
- Review the eligibility criteria above with your treating physician.
- Check the official listing on ClinicalTrials.gov for the latest contact details and recruitment status.
- Contact the study coordinator or principal investigator to ask for pre-screening. Pre-screening is free and never obligates you to enroll.