Involving families in ICU rounds to improve care engagement

Family Participation in Intensive Care Unit Rounds (The Family-ICU Trial)

Not applicable Interventional Lady Davis Institute · NCT06586541

This study tests if including families in rounds at adult ICUs can help them feel more involved and satisfied with the care their loved ones receive.

Quick facts

PhaseNot applicable
Study typeInterventional
Enrollment194 (estimated)
Ages18 Years and up
SexAll
SponsorLady Davis Institute Academic / other
Locations2 sites (Montreal, Quebec and 1 other locations)
Trial IDNCT06586541 on ClinicalTrials.gov

What this trial studies

This trial evaluates the impact of family participation in adult ICU rounds on family engagement in care. It addresses the limited uptake of family inclusion in ICU practices by providing robust evidence to support this approach. The study employs a stepped-wedge cluster randomized design across six Canadian ICUs, involving 194 participants. Key outcomes include family satisfaction, anxiety, and depression, as well as strategies for improving family recruitment and retention.

Who should consider this trial

Good fit: Ideal candidates are adult family members of ICU patients who are willing to participate in rounds and have the necessary technology to do so.

Not a fit: Patients who do not wish to involve their family in care or those with repeat admissions during the study period may not benefit.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this study could enhance family engagement and satisfaction in the care of ICU patients.

How similar studies have performed: Previous studies have shown positive outcomes with family engagement in critical care settings, suggesting this approach may be effective.

Eligibility criteria

Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria:

* Adult family members (age ≥ 18 years) of ICU patients
* Expected ICU stay ≥ 48 hours
* Family members wishing to participate in rounds virtually must have the technological capability and understanding to participate virtually (must have a phone or computer with internet and audio/video capabilities)

Exclusion Criteria:

* Family members who do not wish to participate in care
* Repeat admissions within the study period
* Another family member has already participated in the study

Where this trial is running

Montreal, Quebec and 1 other locations

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 Virtual CareFamily EngagementPatient and Family EngagementHealth Care DeliveryFamily-centered CarePhysician RoundsCritical Care, Intensive CarePatient- and Family-Centered
Last reviewed 2026-06-10 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.