Family Support Tool Intervention for Critical Illness
(FST Trial)
Trial Summary
Will I have to stop taking my current medications?
The trial protocol does not specify whether participants must stop taking their current medications.
What data supports the effectiveness of the Family Support Tool Intervention (FST) treatment for critical illness?
Is the Family Support Tool Intervention safe for humans?
How is the Family Support Tool Intervention unique compared to other treatments for critical illness?
What is the purpose of this trial?
This trial tests a program that helps families of critically ill older adults by offering meetings with doctors and an online tool. It aims to improve communication, help families make informed decisions, and reduce their stress.
Research Team
Douglas B White, MD, MAS
Principal Investigator
University of Pittsburgh
Eligibility Criteria
This trial is for critically ill older adults (age ≥60) in the ICU with a high risk of death or severe long-term impairment, and their family surrogates. Patients must lack decision-making capacity and have at least a 50% chance of dying or needing significant help with daily activities. Surrogates must be adults, speak English, able to use the internet, and not involved in conflicting studies.Inclusion Criteria
Exclusion Criteria
Timeline
Screening
Participants are screened for eligibility to participate in the trial
Intervention
Proactive family meetings within 48 hours of enrollment and every 5-7 days thereafter. Family members complete sections of an interactive web-based tool upon study enrollment, before family meetings, and any other time they wish.
Follow-up
Participants are monitored for patient and family-centeredness of care, functional status, and other outcomes at 3 and 6 months after hospital discharge.
Treatment Details
Interventions
- Multi-component Family Support Intervention
Find a Clinic Near You
Who Is Running the Clinical Trial?
University of Pittsburgh
Lead Sponsor
University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill, NC, USA
Collaborator
VA Pittsburgh Healthcare System
Collaborator
Pittsburgh VA Medical Center-University Drive
Collaborator
Oregon Health and Science University
Collaborator
Baystate Medical Center
Collaborator
Duke University
Collaborator
New York City Health and Hospitals Corporation
Collaborator
University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill
Collaborator
National Institute on Aging (NIA)
Collaborator