REFRAME: an Emotion Regulation Intervention to Improve Psychological Outcomes in Surrogate Decision-Makers of the Critically Ill

A Randomized Trial of REFRAME: an Emotion Regulation Intervention to Improve Psychological Outcomes in Surrogate Decision-Makers of the Critically Ill

Every year in the United States, millions of adults make crucial medical decisions for loved ones in the intensive care unit while facing extreme emotional stress. This project will assess REFRAME, a brief tablet-based program designed to help decision-makers manage their emotions in these situations. Results from this study may lead to the creation of a widely accessible tool that alleviates emotional suffering and enhances the quality of medical decision-making for families in crisis.

Patient Inclusion Criteria:

• 1. Age ≥ 35 years
• 2. Lacks decision-making capacity
• 3. Not expected to be discharged from the ICU in 24 hours (including death)

Legally Authorized Representative Inclusion Criteria (Primary Participant)

• 1. Age ≥ 18 years
• 2. Identified as LAR by ICU team
• 3. Able to speak and understand English
• 4. Able to visualize content on a tablet device

Patient Exclusion Criteria:

• 1. Age < 35 years
• 2. Possesses decision-making capacity
• 3. Anticipated discharge from ICU within next 24 hours.

Legally Authorized Representative Exclusion Criteria:

• 1. Age < 18 years
• 2. Not recognized as LAR by ICU team
• 3. Unable to speak and understand English
• 4. Unable to visualize content on a tablet device