Using AI to Enhance Family Communication in Intensive Care

Utilizing Large Language Models to Augment Family Conversations in the Intensive Care Unit

Erasmus Medical Center · NCT06756542

This study is testing if using AI can help doctors in the ICU communicate better with families of patients by making it easier to summarize important conversations.

Quick facts

Study typeObservational
Enrollment40 (estimated)
Ages18 Years and up
SexAll
SponsorErasmus Medical Center (other)
Locations2 sites (Rotterdam, South Holland and 1 other locations)
Trial IDNCT06756542 on ClinicalTrials.gov

What this trial studies

This study evaluates how artificial intelligence, specifically generative pre-trained transformers like GPT-4, can assist doctors in the intensive care unit (ICU) by improving communication with patients' families. The focus is on reducing the time doctors spend documenting family conversations by generating accurate and understandable summaries. By involving ICU doctors and adult family members of patients, the study aims to determine if AI can streamline documentation processes and enhance family understanding of medical information. Participation requires informed consent from both family members and healthcare professionals.

Who should consider this trial

Good fit: Ideal candidates include adult family members of patients currently admitted to the adult ICU who can communicate in Dutch.

Not a fit: Patients whose families are not fluent in Dutch or who have been trained to interpret medical jargon may not benefit from this study.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this approach could significantly improve communication between ICU staff and families, leading to better patient care and family satisfaction.

How similar studies have performed: While the use of AI in healthcare communication is emerging, this specific application in ICU settings is relatively novel and has not been extensively tested in prior studies.

Eligibility criteria

Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria:

* Informed-consent is signed by all participating family members during the conversation.
* Informed-consent is signed by the ICU healthcare professionals.
* The patient of the family must be admitted to the adult ICU.
* All participating family members must be 18 years or older.
* The family conversation must be in Dutch.

Exclusion Criteria:

* Trained to interpret medical jargon and/or intensive care terminology specifically
* Difficulty reading and/or writing in the Dutch language

Where this trial is running

Rotterdam, South Holland 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.

View on ClinicalTrials.gov →

Conditions: Intensive Care Medicine, Critical Care, intensive care, artificial intelligence, large language models, administration reduction, patient satisfaction

Last reviewed 2026-05-15 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.