ICU sedation, delirium & recovery
The FICUS cluster randomized controlled trial of a family support intervention in adult intensive care units: mental health and family functioning outcomes
Authors' conclusion
No evidence of a significant improvement in family functioning or mental health was found within the first year after ICU treatment.
Study context
- Population
- Family members of adult ICU patients with expected ICU stay ≥ 48 h and high risk of death, serious impairment, or prolonged mechanical ventilation609–613 analysed
- Participants
- 885 members
- Comparison
- Nurse-led, interprofessional family support intervention vs usual care
Methodological detailscluster-randomized, multicentre (16 Swiss intensive care units (ICUs)), 43% of invited family members participated (May 2022 to January 2024), Follow-ups completed on time by 736 (83.2%), 665 (75.1%), 643 (71.6%), and 593 (67.0%)
- Cluster-randomized
- Multicentre (16 Swiss ICUs)
- 43% of invited family members participated (May 2022 to January 2024)
- Follow-ups completed on time by 736 (83.2%), 665 (75.1%), 643 (71.6%), and 593 (67.0%)
Primary result
As reported in the abstract
Family functioning, resilience, life satisfaction, quality of life, distress, anxiety, depression, posttraumatic stress · ICU admission, discharge, 3, 6 and 12 months post-ICU
- No significant difference between study arms for any outcome
- Linear mixed effects models
Further findings
Patient characteristics at baseline
- Patient mechanical ventilation, intervention vs control
- 60.3 vs. 49.5%
- ICU death, intervention vs control
- 19.9 vs. 13.2%
Mental health over time
- Mental health systematically improved post-ICU
Original publication
The FICUS cluster randomized controlled trial of a family support intervention in adult intensive care units: mental health and family functioning outcomes. Intensive Care Med. Published 18 May 2026. doi:10.
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