Communication Strategy

Written communication was valued by relatives because it allowed them to read information at a time of their choosing and revisit details. Interviewees did not express a strong preference for which team should communicate, as long as it happened promptly and the staff could answer questions. Communication with bereaved relatives should occur soon after death, preferably within a week, and include contact details for relevant staff. The study recommends offering relatives a choice to receive information about research participation rather than automatically disclosing it or remaining silent. Future emergency and critical care trial protocols should include a transparent and sensitive communication pathway specifying timing, responsible team, written materials, and follow-up options for bereaved relatives. Relatives did not want partial information from a person unable to explain the study and required access to someone who could answer their questions.