Can a simple communication tool cut unnecessary ICU care?

NCT ID NCT04181294

Completed Knowledge-focused Sponsor: Lundquist Institute for Biomedical Innovation at Harbor-UCLA Medical Center Source: ClinicalTrials.gov ↗

First seen Jun 27, 2026 · Last updated Jun 27, 2026

Summary

This study tested a new way for doctors and families to talk about ICU care for very sick patients with advanced illnesses. Instead of continuing treatments indefinitely, they used 'time-limited trials' — agreements to try treatments for a set period and then check if the patient is improving. The goal was to see if this approach could reduce the amount of non-beneficial ICU treatments without increasing deaths. The study involved 209 patients and trained ICU staff in this communication method.

What this could mean

Our plain-language read of the trial. This is informational only — not medical advice or a prediction.

Active substance: Time-limited trial communication protocol
What this could lead to: If successful, this approach could help doctors and families make better decisions about ICU care, reducing unnecessary suffering and healthcare costs.
What could go wrong: This is a completed quality improvement study, not a treatment trial. Results may not apply to all ICUs or patient populations.

This is an AI summary of the original study and may miss details. Read our disclaimer.

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Conditions

The condition(s) this trial relates to.

Communication communication disorder Critical Illness

As listed by the trial registrant

The condition terms exactly as the trial's registrant entered them.

COMMUNICATION CRITICAL ILLNESS

Contacts and locations

Locations

Harbor UCLA Medical Center

Torrance, California, 90509, United States
Los Angeles County-University of Southern California Medical Center

Los Angeles, California, 90033, United States
Olive View Medical Center

Sylmar, California, 91342, United States

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