Association of Surrogate Decision-making Interventions for Critically Ill Adults With Patient, Family, and Resource Use Outcomes

Abstract

Key Points Question Are intensive care unit-based interventions aimed at surrogate decision-makers associated with differences in patient-centered outcomes and improved surrogate decision-maker–centered outcomes? Findings In this systematic review and meta-analysis of 13 randomized clinical trials including 10 453 patients, diverse interventions were associated with a 2-day reduction in intensive care unit length of stay only among patients who died, without an association with overall mortality. Associations between these interventions and surrogate decision-maker–related outcomes were inconsistent. Meaning Intensive care unit-based interventions aimed at improving surrogate decision-making may lead to shorter intensive care unit stays in dying critically ill patients.