QR Code Video Education for ICU Family Members

Family members of patients admitted to intensive care units frequently experience anxiety, uncertainty, and a need for information regarding the patient's condition and ICU procedures. Conventional verbal information may vary depending on time constraints, workload, and communication practices, resulting in inconsistent delivery of information.

This prospective randomized controlled trial will investigate whether a standardized QR code-based digital information video can improve knowledge and reduce anxiety among family members of ICU patients. Eligible first-degree relatives of ICU patients will be randomized into two groups. The control group will receive routine verbal information according to standard clinical practice. The intervention group will receive routine verbal information in addition to access to a QR code-based educational video.

The educational video will provide information regarding the ICU environment, monitoring systems, mechanical ventilation, sedation practices, common procedures, visiting policies, and frequently encountered clinical situations. The video is designed to provide standardized, understandable, and easily accessible information.

The primary outcome will be the total score of the Information Adequacy and Comprehensibility Questionnaire. Secondary outcomes will include anxiety scores measured using the Visual Analog Scale for Anxiety (VAS-A), satisfaction with information, and participant-reported adequacy of answers to their information needs. Assessments will be performed at baseline, within 24 hours after the intervention, and 72 hours after enrollment.

A total of 150 participants will be enrolled. The study is conducted at Elazig Fethi Sekin City Hospital.

Inclusion criteria

• Age 18 years or older
• First-degree family member of a patient admitted to the intensive care unit
• Able to read and understand Turkish
• Able to use a smartphone
• Able to access QR code-based educational materials
• Willing to participate and provide written informed consent

Exclusion criteria

• History of a diagnosed psychiatric disorder
• Current use of anxiolytic or antidepressant medication
• Visual or hearing impairment preventing participation in video-based education
• First-degree family member who is an active healthcare professional involved in patient care
• Inability to complete study questionnaires or follow-up assessments
• Refusal to participate in the study