When families participate in clinician handovers

Patient- and Family-Centred Care interventions, such as family participation in handovers, are designed to improve communication, increase family satisfaction with decision-making, and potentially enhance patient safety and overall quality of care. The admission of a relative to the ICU is a high-stress event, causing anxiety for family members who may also be at risk of post-traumatic stress disorder symptoms. Poor communication between healthcare professionals and families can heighten emotional distress and negatively affect satisfaction with care.

When families are involved, relationships between relatives and healthcare professionals are strengthened, and collaboration improves the quality of care. Family participation provides families with an empowering and active role in decision-making. They are seen as an integral part of the healthcare team, providing individualised knowledge of the patient’s wishes, values, and preferences. Involving families in handovers allows them to gain valuable information, which is an important part of the role as advocates for their relative, especially if the patient is incapacitated.

A systematic review of qualitative evidence investigated the experiences of healthcare professionals in ICU when families participate in clinician handovers. Healthcare professionals hold diverse perspectives regarding family participation, ranging from active support to resistance. 

Logistical and procedural challenges identified in the systematic review include potential breaches to patient privacy, especially in open wards, and concerns about the effect on the quality of teaching and the overall duration of the rounds. The presence of family members can also influence the content of discussions among healthcare professionals, though studies suggest this can lead to greater professionalism and transparency.

The qualitative systematic review, Experiences of health care professionals in intensive care when families participate in clinician handovers, is available in the October 2025 issue of JBI Evidence Synthesis.

It is accompanied by a free downloadable Best Practice Information Sheet, which is a four-page summary of which features the important details including the finding and conclusions of the review, as well as the recommendations for practice.

JBI Best Practice Information Sheets are available in the JBI Evidence Based Practice Database and are prepared for a selection of systematic reviews published in JBI Evidence Synthesis.