Table 1

Included studies

AuthorYearCountry and settingDesignSample sizeResearch approachIntervention
Allen et al322017USA—surgical ICUNon-randomised, before and after studyPatients: n=847
Family members: n=429		QuantitativeEngaging family members on rounds
Almoosa et al222009USA—medical ICUProspective, two-centre observational studyPatients: n=85
Family members: n=85		QuantitativeCariopulmonary Resuscitation (CPR) discussions
Choi and Bosch162013USA—neuro ICU and trauma ICUComparative observational studyPatients: n=81
Family members: n=81		QuantitativePatient and family-centred unit design
Cray281989USA—medical ICUPost hoc evaluation studyPatients: n=76
Family members: n=76		QuantitativeFamily intervention programme
Dalal et al182015USA—medical ICU (oncology unit)Post hoc evaluation studyPatients: n=26
Family members: n=77		QuantitativePatient-centred toolkit
Davidson et al292010USA—mixed ICUFeasibility studyPatients: n=30
Family members: n=22		QuantitativeFamily support programme, based on facilitated sensemaking
Dykes et al192017USA—medical ICUNon-randomised, before and after studyPatients: n=58
Family members: n=156		QuantitativePatient engagement communication and technology (PROSPECT)
Ernecoff et al202016USA—medical ICUQualitative interview studyFamily members: n=30
Staff members: n=28		QualitativeTablet-based support tool
Garrouste-Orgeas et al232016France—surgical ICURandomised-controlled trial with nested qualitative studyPatients: n=100
Family members: n=88		Mixed-methodsProactive participation of a nurse in family conferences
Hollman Frisman et al242018Sweden—ICUQualitative interview studyPatients: n=8
Family members: n=10		QualitativeHealth-promoting conversations
Huang et al252018USA—neuroscience ICUProspective, single-centred observational studyFamily members: n=263QuantitativePrimary care physician involvement in decision-making in the ICU
Huffines et al212013USA—surgical ICUNon-randomised, before and after studyFamily members: n=48QuantitativeFamily supportive care algorithm
Marshall et al302016Australia—general ICUFeasibility studyFamily members: n=51QualitativeMultifaceted family-centred nutrition intervention
Jacobowski et al332010USA—medical ICUNon-randomised, before and after studyFamily members: n=111QuantitativeFamily rounds
Prichard and Newcomb352015USA—trauma ICUQuasi-experimental pilot studyFamily members: n=30QuantitativeHand massage
Randall-Curtis et al262016USA—general ICURandomised-controlled trialPatients: n=168
Family members: n=268		QuantitativeCommunication facilitator
Rippin et al172015USA—neuroscience ICUComparative observational studyFamily members: n=54
Staff members: n=18		QualitativeFamily-centred unit design
Shaw et al272014USA—general ICUNon-randomised, before and after studyPatients: n=121
Family members: n=121		QuantitativeMultidisciplinary team training to enhance family communication in the ICU
Weber et al342018USA—neuroscience ICUNon-randomised, before and after implementation studyFamily members: n=141QuantitativeFamily rounds
White et al312018USA—two neuro ICU, two mixed ICU, one medical ICUMulticentre, stepped-wedge, cluster-randomisedPatients: n=1420
Family members: n=1106		QuantitativeMulticomponent family-support intervention

  • CPR, Cardiopulmonary resuscitation; ICU, intensive care unit; PROSPECT, Promoting Respect and Ongoing Safety through Patient Engagement Communication and Technology .