title: [Meeting the needs of families of patients in intensive care units].
abstract: As patients in intensive care units (ICUs) are not always able to decide for themselves, their family must receive thorough information on the diagnosis, prognosis and available treatments (unless the patient has expressed his/her opposition). It is crucial to provide this information before requesting the family's involvement. Together, the family and ICU physicians can ensure that the patient receives the most appropriate care. Next-of-kin may either be called on to make decisions (as surrogates) or simply to offer their considered opinion. Good communication and information are a source of comfort and empowerment for the family, especially in end-of-life settings. Finally, we examine areas warrantingfurther research on the family-physician relationship in ICUs.
authors.affiliation: Reanimation médicale, Hôpital Saint-Louis et Université Paris VII. elie.azoulay@sls-ap-hop-paris.fr
authors.forename: Elie
authors.initials: E
authors.lastname: Azoulay
authors.forename: Alexandre
authors.initials: A
authors.lastname: Lautrette
authors.forename: Vincent
authors.initials: V
authors.lastname: Peigne
authors.forename: Frédéric
authors.initials: F
authors.lastname: Pochard
mesh_terms: D003657:Decision Making; D006266:Health Education; D006801:Humans; D007362:Intensive Care Units; D011368:Professional-Family Relations; D020458:Third-Party Consent