Written Communication in the Intensive Care Unit

Impact of WRitten Communication on the ICU Team Experience

The goal of this study is to compare the experience of intensive care unit (ICU) families and care providers before and after the implementation of an approach whereby clinicians initiate written communication with families

The main questions it aims to answer are

1. Is ICU care-provider initiated written communication feasible and acceptable to participants?
2. Does ICU care-provider initiated written communication affect the experience of families and care providers?

Participants will complete surveys and participate in interviews during a 3 month pre-implementation phase and a 3 month post-implementation phase

Inclusion criteria (family members or surrogates)

• Self-identify as one of the patient's decision makers

Exclusion criteria (family members or surrogates)

• Cannot read or understand English
• Unwilling to participate in study procedures

Inclusion criteria for care providers (physicians, physician assistants, and nurses)

• Work during the day shift

Exclusion criteria for care providers (physicians, physician assistants, and nurses)

• None