PulseExploreJournal ClubResearchersJournals
Instagram
HomeJournal ClubExplore
Synapse
⌘+K
Synapse
May 20, 2026Intensive Care MedicineOpen Access

The FICUS cluster randomized controlled trial of a family support intervention in adult intensive care units: mental health and family functioning outcomes

View Full Paper
Ask AI
Bookmark
Share

Authors

MRMarco RiguzziMJMarie-Madlen JeitzinerMRMichael Rufer

Discussion

Loading...

Member takes

Overview

Randomized trial examines family support intervention impact on mental health and functioning in ICU families, indicating no significant improvement.

Key Points

  • To evaluate the effects of a nurse-led family support intervention on family functioning and mental health in adult ICUs.
  • Conducted as a cluster-randomized controlled trial in 16 Swiss ICUs
  • Compared a family care pathway involving trained ICU nurses to usual care
  • Assessed outcomes at multiple time points including ICU admission and 12 months post-ICU using linear mixed effects models.
  • 43% of invited family members participated, with 885 total participants
  • No significant differences were observed in family functioning or mental health outcomes between intervention and control groups
  • Mental health improved post-ICU, although results should be interpreted cautiously due to study limitations.

Cite This Study

Riguzzi et al. (2026) studied this question.

synapsesocial.com/papers/6a0d4ee2f03e14405aa9a150https://doi.org/10.1007/s00134-026-08425-2
View Full Paper
Ask AI
Bookmark
Share

Also Consider

Synapse has enriched 5 closely related papers on similar clinical questions. Consider them for comparative context:

  1. 1The FICUS cluster randomized controlled trial of a family support intervention in adult intensive care units: mental health and family functioning outcomes.2026
  2. 2Multicomponent family support intervention in intensive care units: statistical analysis plan for the cluster-randomized controlled FICUS trial2024 · 3 citations
  3. 3Family Support Strategies During Intensive Care Unit: A Systematic Review2025 · 12 citations
  4. 4Understanding implementation patterns of the FICUS family support intervention: a matrixed multiple case study across Swiss adult intensive care units2026
  5. 5Facilitating Communication for Family Members of Critically Ill Patients During and Following a Hospital Stay: A Randomized Controlled Trial2026