A three-step support strategy for relatives of patients dying in the intensive care unit: a cluster randomised trial.

Background: In relatives of patients dying in intensive care units (ICUs), inadequate team support can increase the prevalence of prolonged grief and other psychological harm. We aimed to evaluate whether a proactive communication and support intervention would improve relatives' outcomes.

Methods: We undertook a prospective, multicentre, cluster randomised controlled trial in 34 ICUs in France, to compare standard care with a physician-driven, nurse-aided, three-step support strategy for families throughout the dying process, following a decision to withdraw or withhold life support.

Ultrasound guidance for urgent arterial and venous catheterisation: randomised controlled study.

Background: Haemodynamically unstable patients often require arterial and venous catheter insertion urgently. We hypothesised that ultrasound-guided arterial and venous catheterisation would reduce mechanical complications.

Methods: We performed a prospective RCT, where patients requiring both urgent arterial and venous femoral catheterisation were randomised to either ultrasound-guided or landmark-guided catheterisation.