F&F-ICU (Support Pathway for Family and Friends-A Co-Design Study V.01
Research type
Research Study
Full title
Co-design of a digital support pathway to capture Anticipatory Grief experience and augment Anticipatory Grief support for family and friends of patients within Adult Intensive Care Settings.
IRAS ID
345183
Contact name
Sally Abey
Contact email
Sponsor organisation
University of Plymouth
Clinicaltrials.gov Identifier
5355, Sponsor ref number on FREIC approval ltr Sep 2025
Duration of Study in the UK
0 years, 6 months, 13 days
Research summary
This study focuses on the co-design a support pathway that identifies and supports patient loved ones'Anticipatory Grief experience within critical care settings.
Anticipatory Grief is a natural human response that can be experienced by patients and their loved ones during a health crisis. The term ‘Anticipatory Grief’ does not necessarily mean a patient’s diagnosis is terminal, instead, it refers to the way people anticipate and manage single or multiple losses that may arise due to a short or long-term illness. These losses may not solely be related to health and can include unexpected changes in family relationships or life direction. Dealing with ‘uncertainty’ or living in a ‘state of limbo’ are other terms used to describe the experience of Anticipatory Grief.
Previous research studies have told us there is a need for more health and care services to screen for Anticipatory Grief and offer support. We want to offer resources that help patient loved ones recognize and manage Anticipatory Grief responses they may be experiencing during their ICU journey. But we need to complete this study first because there is not enough research data to tell us how patient loved ones may be experiencing or managing Anticipatory Grief in ICU settings
The study will focus on the co-design of a support pathway that can be transferable across three main Adult Intensive Care Unit (ICU) specialties; namely Cardio-Thoracic, General Surgery and Neurology. The study will draw on the lived experience of diverse participants, including patients, patient family and friends, and healthcare staff, as part of the co-design process.
REC name
South West - Cornwall & Plymouth Research Ethics Committee
REC reference
25/SW/0122
Date of REC Opinion
4 Dec 2025
REC opinion
Further Information Favourable Opinion