A Communication Strategy for Families of Patients Dying in the ICU

A Proactive Communication Strategy for Family Members of Patients Dying in the ICU: A Multicenter Randomized Controlled Trial

Decisions to limit life sustaining treatments are made for most patients dying in the ICU, usually with input from the family. The well-being of the family may be jeopardized by involvement in the decision-making process and bereavement. We evaluated the ability of a proactive communication strategy (family conference and providing family members with a bereavement information leaflet) designed to improve family well-being.

Inclusion Criteria:

• family of dying patient

Exclusion Criteria:

• family having no enough knowledge of French to respond to telephone interview
• patient alive on day 90