Nurse-led ICU family support improves satisfaction

A nurse-led family support intervention in the intensive care unit improved the quality of family care in the ICU, according to a study published in JAMA Network Open. A nurse engaged with families to offer relationship-focused support and ensured interprofessional communication starting at admission and continuing with families after the ICU phase. The randomized, controlled trial consisted of 16 ICUs with 885 family members, who received the intervention or usual care. Families who received the intervention had a small, but statistically significant improvement in the Family Satisfaction with ICU survey score, with improved quality of communication and emotional support. The authors call for additional studies to validate the findings. (JAMA Network Open article, 7/28/25)