Evaluating new staffing models in intensive care units

A Study to Evaluate the Introduction of New Staffing Models in Intensive Care: a Realist Evaluation (SEISMIC-R)

Observational University of Hertfordshire · NCT05917574

This study is testing different staffing models in intensive care units to see which combinations of nurses and skills provide the best care for patients and support for staff.

Quick facts

Study typeObservational
Enrollment80 (estimated)
Ages18 Years and up
SexAll
SponsorUniversity of Hertfordshire Academic / other
Locations1 site (Stevenage)
Trial IDNCT05917574 on ClinicalTrials.gov

What this trial studies

This study examines various staffing models in intensive care units (ICUs) across six different Trusts in the UK to determine which combinations of nursing staff and skills are most effective for patient care. Using a Realist Evaluation approach, the research aims to identify the key components of optimal nurse staffing models and understand how these models impact patient outcomes and staff wellbeing. The study will involve interviews with registered nurses, nurse managers, organizational leads, and patients or their families to gather insights on the effectiveness of different staffing strategies.

Who should consider this trial

Good fit: Ideal candidates for this study include registered nurses and nurse managers with ICU experience, as well as patients or family members who have recently been in an ICU.

Not a fit: Patients who have not been admitted to an ICU or whose family members have not visited the ICU may not benefit from this study.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this study could lead to improved patient outcomes and enhanced staff wellbeing in intensive care settings.

How similar studies have performed: While there is limited ICU-specific evidence on staffing models, other studies have shown that optimizing nurse staffing can significantly impact patient outcomes, suggesting potential for success in this approach.

Eligibility criteria

Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria: Interviews with nursing staff

* Registered Nurses who have worked in ICU for at least six months. Inclusion criteria: Interviews with nurse managers
* Clinically-based nurse managers who have worked in ICU for at least one year. Inclusion criteria: Interviews with organisational leads
* Organisational leads who have been working in their role and in the ICU field for at least one year.

Inclusion criteria: Interviews with regional managers/commissioners • Regional managers/commissioners who have been working in their role and in the ICU field for at least one year.

Inclusion criteria: Interviews with patients/families

* Patient or family member over 18 years old.
* Patients who have been in General ICU for at least 48 hours in the last 6 months.
* Family members who have visited ICU for at least 20 mins on two days in the preceding 6 months.
* Patient discharged from hospital at least 2 weeks prior to the interview.
* Patient expected to be well enough, after hospital discharge, to attend the interview and to have capacity to consent.

Exclusion Criteria:

-

Where this trial is running

Stevenage

Study contacts

How to participate

  1. Review the eligibility criteria above with your treating physician.
  2. Visit the official trial page on ClinicalTrials.gov for the most current contact information and recruitment status.
  3. Contact the listed study coordinator or principal investigator to request pre-screening. Pre-screening is free and never obligates you to enroll.
Conditions Critical IllnessStaff AttitudeOrganisationIntensive CareStaffingPatient outcomesintensive carecritical care
Last reviewed 2026-06-09 by the Find a Trial editorial team. Information on this page is for educational purposes and is not medical advice. Always consult qualified healthcare professionals about clinical trial participation.