Communicating with the Care Team

Clear communication with your loved one’s healthcare team is vital during an ICU stay. This guide will help you stay informed and involved in the care process.

Setting Up Communication Channels

Assign a Family Point Person

• Choose one family member to be the main communicator with the clinical team
• Identify the clinical team’s point person (usually a nurse or resident)
• Get their contact information and confirm their role
• Consider having separate day and night point persons for extended stays

Create a Clinician Contact List

Keeping a list of healthcare providers helps you:

• Know who’s involved in your loved one’s care
• Quickly reach the right person with questions
• Track different specialists and their roles
• Follow up on specific concerns or treatments
• Have a reference for future appointments or care transitions

Staying Informed

Daily Updates & Medical Team Rounds

• In-person participation:
  • Attend daily rounds when the team reviews the patient’s progress and plans care
  • Ask the nurse for the expected timing of rounds
  • Request help to ensure you’re present during rounds
• Remote updates:
  • If you can’t be at the bedside, arrange a 2-hour window with the nurse for a phone update

Family Meetings

These in-depth discussions between the ICU team and family members:

• Review the patient’s overall situation and progress
• Discuss prognosis and treatment options
• Make important care decisions together
• Address family concerns and questions

Key points about family meetings:

• Longer than daily updates
• Can include multiple family members and healthcare providers
• Recommended weekly for extended ICU stays
• Don’t hesitate to request a meeting if needed

Communication Tips

Be prepared
Write down your questions before meetings or rounds
Tips for tracking questions and what questions to ask

Take notes
Record important information during discussions
Getting started with a Care Journal

Ask for clarification
If you don’t understand something, ask the team to explain

Share relevant information
Tell the team about your loved one’s normal behaviors or preferences

Stay calm
Even if you’re stressed, try to communicate clearly and respectfully
Caregiver Guides to Taking Care of Themselves