Family‐Centred Care Interventions in Adult Intensive Care Units: A Scoping Review of Experiences, Barriers and Facilitators
Pei‐Yu Chang, Shohei Nakajima, Shu‐Yu Kuo, Shao‐Yu TsaiABSTRACT
Background
Family‐centred care (FCC) is recognized as a holistic approach to improve patient outcomes, reduce psychological symptoms in family caregivers, and enhance communication between families and healthcare professionals. However, existing research has primarily focused on clinical outcomes or isolated FCC components, with limited attention given to the experiences of those involved in its implementation.
Aims
This study aimed to synthesize the experiences of family caregivers and healthcare professionals with FCC interventions and to identify the barriers and facilitators to the implementation of FCC interventions in adult intensive care units (ICUs).
Study Design
This review followed the Arksey and O'Malley framework and PRISMA‐ScR guidelines, covering studies up to August 2025. The databases searched included CINAHL, Embase, PsycINFO, PubMed, Scopus and the Cochrane Library. Data were synthesized narratively to summarize the main findings across studies.
Results
A total of 32 studies were included. Both family caregivers and healthcare professionals generally expressed willingness to engage in FCC interventions. However, several barriers to implementation were identified, including interpersonal factors, relational challenges and workforce limitations. Strong relationships among families and healthcare teams, a positive unit culture and supportive institutional policies were noted as facilitators.
Conclusions
This scoping review highlights the complex interplay of interpersonal, organizational and environmental factors that influence the successful implementation of FCC interventions in adult ICUs. Addressing identified barriers and leveraging facilitators are essential for developing effective, context‐sensitive strategies to enhance the delivery of FCC. Future research should focus on knowledge and tools from implementation science to guide the integration and sustainment of FCC interventions in adult ICUs.
Relevance to Clinical Practice
FCC implementation in ICUs requires addressing barriers and facilitators at multiple levels. Supportive policies, clear communication, leadership support and family needs are essential for facilitating the integration of FCC into ICU practice and strengthening collaboration between families and healthcare professionals.
Trial Registration