Written Document to Assist Family During Decision of Withholding and Withdrawing Life-sustaining Therapies in the Intensive Care Unit

Impact of a Written Document on Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) Diagnosed in Family Members After Withholding and Withdrawing Life-sustaining Therapies in the Intensive Care Unit

Relatives of patients in situation of withholding and withdrawing life-sustaining therapies often show post traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) (60%)[1]. This number is even greater when family members are active in this decision (81%) or when communication is not optimal between medical team and family members.

There are several ways to assist families of patients in intensive care units [2], amongst them the use of a written document to explain the environment, therapies and possible outcomes.

Here the investigators want to test the impact of a written document in the context of end-of-life conference in intensive care units. Specifically, this research addresses wether such written support could decrease 3-months post-traumatic stress disorder, anxiety and depression exhibited by the closest family member or the patient representative.

The study will enroll patient representant (family member or close friends designed by the family or pre-admission legal representant).

Inclusion Criteria:

• Medical team anticipates a decision to withhold and withdraw life-sustaining therapies to intensive care unit (ICU) discharge
• verbal consent to participate
• Able to communicate in French

Exclusion Criteria:

• representant of a patient < 18 years old
• representant of a patient whose stay in ICU lasted less than 48 hours
• representant of a patient without social security