The Family Cares Trial

Launched by LADY DAVIS INSTITUTE · May 14, 2025

Keywords

ClinConnect Summary

The Family Cares Trial is a study designed to see if virtual support groups and skills training can help family members who care for loved ones who have survived a stay in the Intensive Care Unit (ICU). The researchers want to find out if these online support options are helpful and acceptable for caregivers, comparing those who participate in the programs to those who do not. The goal is to understand how these resources can improve the well-being of family caregivers after their loved ones leave the hospital.

To take part in this study, you need to be a family member of someone who has been in the ICU for more than 48 hours and has since been discharged. You should also be involved in caring for that person and be at least 18 years old. If you join, you might participate in virtual support groups or skills training sessions, and you’ll share your thoughts on how helpful these resources are. You’ll also answer some surveys to help researchers understand the impact of these programs. The study is not yet recruiting participants, but it aims to support caregivers during a challenging time.

Gender

ALL

Eligibility criteria

• Inclusion Criteria:
• • (1) Family member of a person admitted to an ICU for \>48 hours and survived to hospital discharge. "Family" is anyone with a biological, legal, or emotional relationship with the patient and whom the patient wants involved in their care
• • (2) Planned or current part or full-time caregiver of the ICU survivor
• • (3) Age ≥ 18 years
• • (4) Within 6 months of ICU survivor's hospital discharge.
• Exclusion Criteria:
• • (1) Another family member participating in the study
• • (2) Inability to communicate in English or French.