24.01.2024887 participants enrolled in FICUS trial

The 16 intensive care units (ICU) in German-speaking Switzerland involved in the FICUS trial have recruited 887 family members of ICU patients over a period of 19 months into the study. The enrollment aim was achieved by the end of 2023.

Families of patients treated in intensive care units (ICU) are themselves profoundly affected by the critical illness or trauma. They experience considerable stress, which means that about one third of family members experience adverse mental health.

The FICUS study (Family Support Intervention in Intensive Care Units) uses a cluster-randomized trial to test the effectiveness of a nurse-led, interprofessional family support intervention in ICUs on quality of family care, family management, and individual mental health. Additionally, the FICUS study investigates contextual influencers and strategies that facilitate successful implementation of the family support program.

Family members were recruited over a period of 19 months on the 16 participating ICUs in German-speaking Switzerland. With 887 participants, the targeted sample size has now been achieved. was achieved. The follow-up data collection for the study will continue for another year, with the first results expected in 2025.

The study values patient and public involvement in research. Therefore, patients and family member actively contribute to the study processes. The FICUS Patient and Family Advisory Group consists of three family members, one patient, and a patient expert.

The study is led by Professor Dr. phil. Rahel Naef, Institute for Implementation Science in Health Care, University of Zurich and Centre for Clinical Nursing Science at University Hospital Zurich; Professor Dr. med. Miodrag Filipovic, Division of Perioperative Intensive Care, Kantonsspital[RN1] [MO2]  St. Gallen; and Dr. phil. Marie-Madlen Jeitziner, University Clinic for Intensive Care Medicine, Inselspital, University Hospital Bern.

The FICUS study is financed by the Swiss National Science Foundation (SNSF) and supported by the Swiss Society of Intensive Medicine.

Sixteen ICUs are involved: University Hospital Zurich, Inselspital Bern, Lindenhofspital Bern, Cantonal Hospital Graubünden, Cantonal Hospital Lucerne, Cantonal Hospital Baden, Cantonal Hospital Frauenfeld, Cantonal Hospital Olten, Cantonal Hospital Winterthur, Hospital Thun, Hirslanden Clinic Zurich, and the Cantonal Hospital St. Gallen