RecruitingOBSERVATIONAL

The VIP3 (Very Old Intensive Care Patients) Study: Family Involvement in Treatment Decisions for Old ICU Patients

This study, called VIP3, is about how families help make decisions for very unwell older patients (aged 75 and over) who are in the intensive care unit (ICU). As more older people need intensive care, it's important to understand how their families are involved. The study wants to find out how family meetings are currently used in ICUs across Europe and other areas. These meetings are key for families and the ICU team to talk, build trust, and make shared decisions. By understanding current practices, the study hopes to improve how we support families and ensure patients' wishes are respected.

At a glance

Status

Recruiting

Sponsor

St George's, University of London

Enrolment target

2,000

Start

16 Jun 2025

Estimated completion

01 Dec 2027

Family Members Critical Illness Frailty Communication Patient Preference

What is this study about?

When people get very old and seriously ill, they sometimes need to go to the intensive care unit (ICU). This study focuses on patients aged 75 and over who are admitted to ICU, and how their families are involved in important conversations about their treatment. As more older people are needing intensive care, it's really important to make sure decisions are made in the best way for them.

Often, families have meetings with the ICU team – doctors and nurses – to talk about the patient's condition and treatment options. These meetings are very important for building trust and making sure everyone understands what's happening. They also help to make sure decisions reflect what the patient would have wanted, especially if the patient can't speak for themselves. This study wants to see how these family meetings are currently done in different ICUs.

The main goal is to understand if and how these family meetings are used in hospitals across Europe and other places. The researchers expect to find that different hospitals might have different ways of doing things. By gathering this information, they hope to learn how to make these conversations and decisions even better in the future, making sure that what's best for the patient and their family is always at the heart of care.

Key takeaways

This study focuses on how families are involved in decisions for very unwell older patients (75+) in ICU.
It aims to understand how family meetings are used in hospitals to make shared decisions.
Participation involves sharing basic patient information and details about family communication.
The study hopes to improve communication and decision-making for future patients.
There are no direct medical benefits, but very low risks to taking part.
You can withdraw from the study at any time without affecting patient care.

Who may be eligible?

This study is looking for patients who meet certain criteria to take part.

To be included, a patient must be admitted to an intensive care unit (ICU) that is part of the study. They need to be 75 years old or older, and doctors must expect them to stay in the ICU for at least three days. This study focuses on patients admitted as an emergency, not those who planned their admission in advance.

However, some patients cannot join. This includes if the patient or their family decides they don't want to take part. Also, if a patient has already had a decision made to limit their treatment when they arrived in ICU (apart from CPR, which is resuscitation), they won't be included.

Could this study suit you?

Answer these quick questions to see if you may be eligible. This is a guide only — the research team makes the final call.

Is the patient 75 years old or older?
Has the patient been admitted to an Intensive Care Unit (ICU) as an emergency?
Do doctors expect the patient to stay in ICU for at least 3 days?
Have you or the patient agreed to take part in the study?
Has a decision NOT been made to limit treatment upon arrival to ICU (other than CPR)?
Was the ICU admission not planned in advance?

Answer every question to see your result.

What does participation involve?

If you or your loved one are eligible and agree to take part, the research team will first allow about 24 hours for you to think about it and ask any questions you might have. If you decide to go ahead, the team will record some basic information about the patient and their health when they first came into ICU.

A research nurse will then talk to the patient or their next of kin (closest family member) to understand how the patient was doing before they got ill. This helps them understand how frail the patient was. They will also note down any other health conditions the patient has and what they could do in their daily life before admission. If a family meeting happens, the research nurse will record details about it from the patient’s notes or from the doctor or nurse who was there. If no meeting takes place, that will also be noted. For UK families, there will be an extra questionnaire about how communication happened in the ICU.

Finally, the team will record the outcome of any family meeting and how the patient is doing. They will also check hospital records for things like whether the patient survived after 30 days, when they were discharged, and where they went after leaving the hospital. There are no extra hospital visits or medications involved in this study; it mainly involves collecting information already happening or asking a few questions.

Potential risks and benefits

Taking part in this study means your information will help improve how families and ICU teams communicate and make decisions for older, very unwell patients in the future. This could lead to better care for others. There are no direct medical benefits to you or your loved one from taking part. The risks are very low, as the study mainly involves collecting information that is already part of your care or asking a few questions. Your medical care will not be affected by whether you join the study or not. Remember, you have the right to withdraw from the study at any time without giving a reason, and this will not affect the patient's care.

Locations (1)

St George's University Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust
Verified postcode
London, United Kingdom· Recruiting

Common questions

What is an Intensive Care Unit (ICU)?

An ICU is a special hospital ward for patients who are very seriously ill and need constant monitoring and support for their vital body functions.

What is 'frailty'?

Frailty means someone is generally weaker and less able to cope with illness or stress than healthier people of the same age. It's about how fit and well someone is, not just their age.

What is a 'family meeting' in ICU?

It's a meeting between the patient's family (or close friends) and the doctors and nurses caring for the patient in ICU. It's a chance to discuss the patient's condition, treatment, and wishes.

Will taking part affect the patient's medical care?

No, whether you take part or not, the patient will receive the same high standard of medical care. This study is about understanding and improving practices, not changing individual treatment.

Who will see my loved one's information?

Only authorized research staff will have access to the information, and it will be kept confidential. Your loved one's name won't be used in any reports or publications.

How to find out more

Nikki Yun

vip3.study@stgeorges.nhs.uk +44208 725 0249 Official trial record

Always speak to your GP or specialist before deciding to take part in a study.