Pilot program for psychosocial care in intensive care units

Integrated Psychosocial Care in Intensive Care: Piloting of an Innovative Care Approach (IPS Pilot) - Study Protocol for a Pilot Randomized Controlled Trial

Not applicable Interventional University Hospital Ulm · NCT06733493

This study is testing whether adding a psychologist to the care team in intensive care units can improve the well-being of patients, their families, and healthcare staff compared to standard care.

Quick facts

PhaseNot applicable
Study typeInterventional
Enrollment375 (estimated)
Ages18 Years and up
SexAll
SponsorUniversity Hospital Ulm Academic / other
Locations4 sites (Ulm, Baden-Württemberg and 3 other locations)
Trial IDNCT06733493 on ClinicalTrials.gov

What this trial studies

This pilot randomized controlled trial aims to assess the feasibility of an integrated psychosocial care intervention in intensive care units (ICUs). The study will compare outcomes between ICU wards implementing the IPS intervention, which includes a ward psychologist as part of the team, and control wards receiving standard psychosocial care. The primary focus is to evaluate improvements in psychosocial safety climate and overall well-being for patients, their relatives, and healthcare staff. By examining these outcomes, the trial seeks to determine if the intervention can be effectively integrated into ICU settings.

Who should consider this trial

Good fit: Ideal candidates include patients admitted to participating ICU wards, their relatives, and healthcare professionals working in those units.

Not a fit: Patients who are under 18 years old or unable to provide informed consent will not benefit from this study.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this intervention could enhance the psychosocial well-being of patients and healthcare providers in intensive care settings.

How similar studies have performed: While similar psychosocial interventions have been explored, this specific approach is novel in the context of intensive care units.

Eligibility criteria

Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria:

* Affiliation to one of the 8 participating ICU wards during the duration of the study, either by: occupation as a healthcare professional, admission as a patient, relation to an admitted patient

Exclusion Criteria:

* Age under 18 years old
* Inability to give informed consent

Where this trial is running

Ulm, Baden-Württemberg and 3 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 Psychosocial InterventionIntensive Care UnitsPsychosocial Healthhealth services researchpsychosocial interventionhealth personnelINTENSIVE CARE UNITCritical 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.