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.