Family Support

The goal of this clinical trial is to compare the Hospital Elder Life Program (HELP) with a family-augmented version of HELP (FAM-HELP), that includes family members and care partners, for the prevention of delirium in older patients during hospital admission. The main objectives of the trial are the following: 1. To compare the effectiveness of FAM-HELP and HELP in reducing both the incidence of delirium and its severity. 2. To compare the effectiveness of FAM-HELP and HELP in improving patient- and family-reported outcomes. 3. To explore the implementation context, process, and outcomes of the FAM-HELP program in diverse hospital settings.

The proposed study draws on prior research to evaluate the feasibility, acceptability and explore preliminary effectiveness of Coffee and Family Education and Support, Version (CAFES2) using a pilot randomized type 1 hybrid effectiveness-implementation design. CAFES2 is a peer-led family and social strengthening multiple family group intervention that is designed to respond to multi-level needs of refugee families. Results of the trial will contribute to the emerging evidence base on family-based mental health interventions for refugee and newcomer communities. The trial will also generate new insights regarding implementation strategies needed to promote successful delivery of services by peer providers and the unique role of human-centered design practices for adaptation of mental health and psychosocial interventions.

The purpose of the study is to conduct a pilot randomized trial of a program designed to enhance equitable communication and emotional support for families of critically ill patients in order to determine feasibility, acceptability, and participant experience with the program. The primary study procedures include: chart abstraction, questionnaires, meetings with ICU support counselors, meetings with ICU physicians and care team, audio recordings of these meetings (optional), and interviews with study participants (optional). Study participants include: 70 critically ill patients with acute respiratory failure (enrolled with the consent of their Legally Authorized Representative) and their primary surrogate decision makers as well as ICU support counselors and ICU care teams (physicians, nurses, social workers).

This new family intervention, called Dialogical Family Guidance (DFG) is developed to target family needs especially in families with a child with neurodevelopmental disorders. PhD study showed, that this intervention is functioning with this target group. Participants (families) experienced that they got information, guidance to ordinary life and that the DFG-therapists were listening to them and above all, helping with individual problems and questions. DFG include six meetings and professionals need to attend on a 3-day long education before using this intervention.