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Published in: Trials 1/2016

Open Access 01-12-2016 | Study protocol

Impact of the condolence letter on the experience of bereaved families after a death in intensive care: study protocol for a randomized controlled trial

Authors: Nancy Kentish-Barnes, Sylvie Chevret, Elie Azoulay

Published in: Trials | Issue 1/2016

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Abstract

Background

As intensive care mortality is high, end of life is a subject of major concern for intensivists. In this context, relatives are particularly vulnerable and prone to post-ICU syndrome, in the form of high levels of anxiety, depression, post-traumatic stress, and complicated grief. Grieving families suffer from a feeling of abandonment and evoke the need to get back in touch with the team to ask questions and remove doubts, but very few actually do. Aiding families during the grieving process is an important aspect of palliative care. A condolence letter represents an opportunity to recognize the pain of the family member and the strong tie that linked the family member to the ICU team, and to offer additional information if necessary. The goal of the study is to measure the impact of the condolence letter on the experience of bereaved families after a death in the ICU. Our hypothesis is that a post-death follow-up in the form of a condolence letter sent by the ICU physician who was in charge of the patient may help to reduce the risks of presenting symptoms of anxiety/depression, post-traumatic stress, and complicated grief.

Methods/design

This is a randomized, controlled, multicenter study. Research will compare two groups of bereaved family members: one group that does not receive a condolence letter (control) and one group that receives a condolence letter 15 days after the death (intervention). Each of the 22 participating centers will include 12 relatives. Participating relatives will be followed up by phone with a call at 1 month and one at 6 months to complete questionnaires, permitting evaluation of post-ICU burden. The main outcome is anxiety and depression measured at 1 month. Other outcomes include evaluation of quality of dying and death, post-traumatic stress, and complicated grief.

Discussion

This study will allow us to assess if sending a condolence letter can reduce the risks of presenting symptoms of anxiety and depression, complicated grief, and symptoms of post-traumatic stress disorder after the death of a loved one in the ICU.

Trial registration

Clinical Trials registration number: Clinicaltrials.gov NCT02325297 (23 December 2014).
Appendix
Available only for authorised users
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Metadata
Title
Impact of the condolence letter on the experience of bereaved families after a death in intensive care: study protocol for a randomized controlled trial
Authors
Nancy Kentish-Barnes
Sylvie Chevret
Elie Azoulay
Publication date
01-12-2016
Publisher
BioMed Central
Published in
Trials / Issue 1/2016
Electronic ISSN: 1745-6215
DOI
https://doi.org/10.1186/s13063-016-1212-9

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