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Clinical trial No longer in our active list Observational Ages 18 and up

Exploring the impact of critical illness on family members of ICU patients

Official title: Incidence and Factors Associated to The Development of Post-Intensive Care Syndrome Among Family Members of Intensive Care Unit Survivors: A Longitudinal Exploratory Study

Run by Pontificia Universidad Catolica de Chile · NCT05827354 · Data updated 2026-05-14

This study is no longer in our active list. It may have stopped recruiting or finished. The details below are as of 2026-05-14 and are kept for reference. Check ClinicalTrials.gov for its current status, or see similar studies below.

This study looks at how being a family member of someone who has been in the ICU affects their mental and physical health over time.

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Quick facts

Study typeObservational
Ages18 Years and up
SexAll
Enrollment175 (estimated)
SponsorPontificia Universidad Catolica de Chile
Academic / other
Locations1 site (La Florida, RM)
Trial IDNCT05827354 on ClinicalTrials.gov

Is this trial a fit for you?

Likely a good fit

Ideal candidates for this study are adult family members of ICU patients who are Spanish speakers and likely to provide care after hospital discharge.

Probably not a fit

Patients who are in end-of-life care or are expected to be discharged from the ICU within 24 hours will not benefit from this study.

A plain-English reading of the study's rules. Only the study team can confirm whether you qualify.

What this trial studies

This observational study investigates the incidence and contributing factors of Post Intensive Care Syndrome - Family (PICS-F) among family members of ICU survivors. It aims to understand the long-term psychological, physical, and cognitive impairments that these family members may experience after their loved ones' critical illness. By focusing on psychosocial factors, caregiver burden, and family satisfaction, the study seeks to fill existing knowledge gaps regarding the effects of ICU experiences on family members. Conducted at a public hospital in Chile, this longitudinal exploratory study will track participants over time to gather comprehensive data on their health outcomes.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this study could lead to improved support and interventions for family members of ICU patients, enhancing their mental health and overall well-being.

How similar studies have gone: While there is limited research specifically on PICS-F, studies on related psychosocial impacts of critical illness on families have shown promising results, indicating that this area is gaining attention but still requires further exploration.

Who can join: the full rules

Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria 
Inclusion Criteria:

All adult family members (≥ 18 years old) identified as the patient´s representative, Spanish speakers, and likely to become responsible for providing and/or coordinating patient care after hospital discharge will be eligible.

Besides, the patient must have between 48 hours and 10 days in the ICU, be \> 18 years old, and receive respiratory support (noninvasive ventilation, high-flow nasal cannula, or invasive mechanical ventilation).

Exclusion Criteria:

Family members of ICU patients with a high impending death risk (including end-of-life care / only comfort measures) or likely to be discharged from the ICU in the following 24 hours will be excluded.

Subjects (family members) will be withdrawn from the study at any point if the patient dies.

Where it's running

  • Hospital Clinico Dra. Eloisa I. Diaz
    La Florida, Rm, Chile     Recruiting

Study contacts

  • Principal investigator: Cristobal Padilla F., PhD — Pontificia Universidad Catolica de Chile
  • Study coordinator: Cristobal Padilla F., PhD
  • Email: cfpadill@uc.cl
  • Phone: +56964587104

Similar studies

Other studies for the same condition or treatment. Recruiting studies are listed first.

How to take part

  1. Review the eligibility criteria above with your treating physician.
  2. Check the official listing on ClinicalTrials.gov for the latest contact details and recruitment status.
  3. Contact the study coordinator or principal investigator to ask for pre-screening. Pre-screening is free and never obligates you to enroll.
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Post Intensive Care Syndrome 6Family Members 9Caregiver Burden 45Critical Illness 233Mental Health 792Physical Health 4Cognitive Impairment 479Resilience 482Social Support 6Pontificia Universidad Catolica de Chile 30
Last reviewed 2026-11-14 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.