The VIP-3 study: Decision-making in the older ICU patient: How are family meetings implemented across diverse European cultures? (VIP-3)

Research summary

The demographics of the global population is changing with increasing numbers of elderly and co-morbid patients. As a result, more elderly patients will be admitted to ICU, which will bring a number of ethical challenges. It is for this reason we have chosen to focus on this historically neglected and important patient population. Little is known about how or whether Family meetings (FM) are conducted in European ICUs. The aim of this trial is to determine whether FMs are conducted in ICUs and if so, how they are implemented and whether they affect patient outcome. All emergency admissions to the intensive care age 75 and over will be eligible for inclusion. Baseline characteristics will be recorded and whether or not a FM was implemented. For the purpose of this study a FM is defined as a scheduled meeting, in a private room involving a minimum of two health care professionals from the ICU team and one patient representative, where the prognosis of the patient is discussed, a decision made about future treatment and the discussion documented in the notes. Information will be collected prospectively from the clinical teams and the patient notes. Details of the FM such as when it took place, who was present, the estimated duration, the content (themes) will be recorded. Further information will be collected at ICU discharge and hospital discharge.

Principal Investigator

Mr Neil Davidson

Contact us

Email: ICUResearch@ouh.nhs.uk

IRAS number

337942