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Shared Decision-Making for Families in Critical Dialysis Initiation

The Integrated Shared Decision-making Program of Critical Hemodialysis Initiation - the Effects on Decision Conflict, Decision Regret, Anxiety and Depression Among Family Members

Status
Not yet recruiting
Phases
NA
Study type
Interventional
Source
ClinicalTrials.gov
Registry ID
NCT07150182
Enrollment
100
Registered
2025-09-02
Start date
2025-10-01
Completion date
2026-12-31
Last updated
2025-09-02

For informational purposes only — not medical advice. Sourced from public registries and may not reflect the latest updates. Terms

Conditions

Acute Kidney Injury, Decision Making ,Shared, Emotional Dysfunction

Brief summary

Background:Acute kidney injury (AKI) is a frequent and serious complication in critically ill patients, often necessitating difficult decisions about starting hemodialysis. While shared decision-making (SDM) is known to improve communication, the effectiveness of structured SDM programs specifically designed for family members in this critical context is not well-established. Aims: The primary purpose of this study is to evaluate the effectiveness of a structured shared decision-making (SDM) program for family members of patients requiring critical hemodialysis initiation. We will assess the program's impact on the quality of the decision-making process (e.g., decision conflict, regret) and the psychological well-being (e.g., anxiety, depression) of the family members. Methods: This study is a parallel-group, randomized controlled trial. Eligible participants (family members of patients with AKI initiating hemodialysis) will be randomly assigned to either an intervention group or a control group. The intervention group will receive a structured SDM support program, while the control group will receive standard care. Primary outcomes, including decision conflict, decision regret, anxiety, and depression, will be measured at baseline and follow-up. Data will be analyzed using the generalized estimating equation (GEE) model to compare the effectiveness between the two groups.

Interventions

OTHERThe Integrated Shared Decision-making Program

The Integrated Shared Decision-making Program

Sponsors

Taipei Medical University WanFang Hospital
Lead SponsorOTHER

Study design

Allocation
RANDOMIZED
Intervention model
PARALLEL
Primary purpose
SUPPORTIVE_CARE
Masking
DOUBLE (Caregiver, Outcomes Assessor)

Eligibility

Sex/Gender
ALL
Age
20 Years to 99 Years
Healthy volunteers
No

Inclusion criteria

(A)Patients: (1)Age ≥ 20 years. (2)Admitted to the ICU. (3)Diagnosed with acute kidney injury (AKI) requiring urgent hemodialysis. (4)No medical disputes occurred during the current hospitalization. (B) Family members: 1. Age ≥ 20 years. 2. Mentally alert and able to communicate in Mandarin or Taiwanese. 3. Key person for the patient's admission (primary contact between patient, family, and medical team). 4. Willing to participate in the clinical trial.

Exclusion criteria

(A) Patients: 1. Age \< 20 years. 2. End-stage kidney disease already receiving renal replacement therapy (including hemodialysis, peritoneal dialysis, or kidney transplantation). (B) Family members: (1)Unable to comply with study procedures. (2)Rarely visiting the patient (less than once every three days). (3)History of alcohol or substance abuse, mental disorders, or cognitive impairment affecting participation.

Design outcomes

Primary

MeasureTime frameDescription
decision conflictFollow-up assessments will be conducted four times: at baseline, one week, two weeks, and one month after the intervention.This scale is used to assess family members' decisional conflict and satisfaction when facing high-risk choices. The scale consists of 16 items, with higher scores indicating greater regret regarding the decision outcome.

Secondary

MeasureTime frameDescription
decision regretFollow-up assessments will be conducted four times: at baseline, one week, two weeks, and one month after the intervention.This scale consists of 5 items, with higher scores indicating greater regret regarding the decision outcome. this Cronbach's α was 0.84-0.86.
the quality of doctor-patient communicationFollow-up assessments will be conducted four times: at baseline, one week, two weeks, and one month after the intervention.This scale is used to assess the quality of communication between family members (the patient's designated healthcare proxy for the current hospitalization) and medical staff regarding the patient's condition. The scale consists of 9 items, with higher scores indicating better communication between the family and healthcare providers.
anxiety- depression statusFollow-up assessments will be conducted four times: at baseline, one week, two weeks, and one month after the intervention.This scale consists of 14 items, including 7 items measuring anxiety and 7 items measuring depression. Higher scores indicate greater levels of anxiety or depression

Contacts

Primary ContactChung-te Liu
96320@w.tmu.edu.tw+886970746583
Backup ContactHui-Ling Hsieh
huilinghsieh@ntu.edu.tw+886988585142

Outcome results

None listed

Source: ClinicalTrials.gov · Data processed: Feb 4, 2026