The Society of Critical Care Medicine (SCCM) has developed a set of guidelines for promoting family-centered care in intensive care units to lessen the effects of post-intensive care syndrome, a set of health disorders common in those who survive critical illness and intensive care.

Admission into the ICU can be a traumatic experience for patients and families, often leaving both with lingering physical and mental strain. In response, a multidisciplinary international expert panel has developed guidelines to assist in the implementation of family-centered care within the ICU. These guidelines and supporting tools, which have already been endorsed by nine international critical care and family-centered care specialty organizations, focus on incorporating families in the care and recovery of the patient.

"These guidelines identify the evidence base for best practices for family-centered care in the ICU," said lead author Judy E. Davidson, DNP, RN, of the University of California San Diego Health.

Analyzing data from more than 450 qualitative and quantitative studies, experts created 23 recommendations grouped into five areas. These recommendations include family presence within the ICU, supporting and improve family knowledge, and specific consultations with family members. Each recommendation is paired with evidence supporting the importance of family-centered care.  

“One of the key findings from these guidelines is that there are many important areas of family-centered care where the evidence-base is inadequate. The guidelines highlight key areas for future research," comments senior author J. Randall Curtis, MD, MPH, of the University of Washington, Seattle.

"Family presence, improved communication and family engagement in care may reduce post-intensive care syndrome for both patients and their family members, ultimately improving the health of our community," said Davidson. "Families in the ICU aren't visitors—they should be an integral part of the care and the care team."