Family support in intensive care: beyond no effect trials and the hidden challenges of cluster randomization - Takeaways - MDSpire

Family support in intensive care: beyond no effect trials and the hidden challenges of cluster randomization

  • By

  • María Cruz Martín Delgado

  • Margo M. C. van Mol

  • Daniele Poole

  • June 30, 2026

  • 0 min

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  • 1

    PICS-F affects 20–40% of family members of ICU patients, leading to psychological and socioeconomic consequences.

  • 2

    Effective interventions for family support include structured follow-up programs and psychological therapies to reduce distress.

  • 3

    Riguzzi et al.'s trial found no significant differences in mental health outcomes between family support intervention and usual care.

  • 4

    The study highlights challenges in delivering consistent family communication and support in ICU settings.

  • 5

    Cluster-randomized trials may yield false no effect findings due to limited randomization and potential imbalances in characteristics.

Original Source(s)

Family support in intensive care: beyond no effect trials and the hidden challenges of cluster randomization

  • by María Cruz Martín Delgado, Margo M. C. van Mol, Daniele Poole

  • June 30, 2026

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