Digital Health Interventions Show Uncertain Benefits For ICU Families
Researchers conducted a systematic review and Hartung‑Knapp random‑effects meta-analysis through October 11, 2025, of 17 RCTs involving 1,864 adult ICU family members to evaluate digital health interventions (DHIs). Pooled results showed no statistically significant effects on anxiety, depression, PTSD, quality of life, or quality of communication, and prediction intervals indicated substantial between-study heterogeneity. The certainty of evidence ranged from very low to moderate, limiting firm conclusions and guiding calls for targeted, theory-informed trials.
Key Points
- 1Synthesizes 17 RCTs (n=1,864) evaluating DHIs for adult ICU family members.
- 2Reports no significant pooled benefits for anxiety, depression, PTSD, QoL, or communication.
- 3Highlights wide prediction intervals and low-certainty evidence, urging targeted, theory-informed future trials.
Scoring Rationale
Comprehensive RCT-based systematic review supports moderate impact score, limited by substantial heterogeneity and low-certainty evidence.
Sources
Public references used for this report.
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