Passive decision-making preference is associated with anxiety and depression in relatives of patients in the...

The objectives were to describe the decision-making preferences of relatives (family members) of patients in intensive care units (ICUs), to determine whether the relatives had symptoms of anxiety and depression while the patients were in the ICU, and to determine whether there was a relationship between the relatives' preferences and symptoms.

In our observational pilot study of relatives in a quaternary care teaching hospital, we administered the Control Preferences Scale to assess decision-making preferences and the Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale to determine whether anxiety and depression were present.

Of 50 relatives enrolled in the study, 48 indicated decision-making preferences; 12 (25%) preferred an active role, 28 (58%) preferred to share responsibility with the doctor, and 8 (17%) preferred a passive role. Of the 50 relatives, 21 (42%) had symptoms of anxiety, and 8 (16%) had symptoms of depression. In the groups that preferred an active role, shared role, and passive role, respectively, the anxiety rates were 42%, 25%, and 88% (P = .007), and depression rates were 8%, 11%, and 50% (P = .026).

The relatives who preferred a passive decision-making role were the most likely to be anxious and depressed.