A systematic review and meta-synthesis examining the relationship between virtual communication and mental health outcomes of family members of intensive care unit patients
Issued Date
2026-01-01
Resource Type
ISSN
1357633X
eISSN
17581109
Scopus ID
2-s2.0-105043533534
Journal Title
Journal of Telemedicine and Telecare
Rights Holder(s)
SCOPUS
Bibliographic Citation
Journal of Telemedicine and Telecare (2026)
Suggested Citation
Petchler C.M., Parrillo E., Fisher M.C., Kruahong S., Wright R.J., Ornstein K.A., Abshire Saylor M. A systematic review and meta-synthesis examining the relationship between virtual communication and mental health outcomes of family members of intensive care unit patients. Journal of Telemedicine and Telecare (2026). doi:10.1177/1357633X261461841 Retrieved from: https://repository.li.mahidol.ac.th/handle/123456789/117869
Title
A systematic review and meta-synthesis examining the relationship between virtual communication and mental health outcomes of family members of intensive care unit patients
Author's Affiliation
Corresponding Author(s)
Other Contributor(s)
Abstract
Introduction: Effective communication between family members, intensive care unit (ICU) patients, and healthcare providers is essential for easing family member's distress. We sought to understand how virtual communication patterns between family members, ICU patients, and healthcare providers are related to the mental health outcomes of family members. Methods: We systematically searched CINAHL and PubMed for peer-reviewed studies published between January 2015 and August 2024 that documented virtual communication with the family member of an adult ICU patient (e.g., phone calls, video calls) and used the family member's mental health as an outcome. Guided by the adapted Source, Channel, Message, Receiver, Outcome Model of Communication, quantitative mental health outcomes were categorized as “improved, neutral, or negative,” and qualitative study findings were synthesized into themes. Results: Among 2,573 articles initially identified, 21 were selected for review. Phone and video calls were the most common communication modalities, and text messages were uncommon. Measured mental health outcomes included anxiety, depression, post-traumatic stress disorder, and stress or distress. Virtual communication was associated with either improved or no difference in measured mental health outcomes. However, meta-synthesis revealed two themes that suggest ways virtual communication can negatively influence emotions: (1) anxiety with variations in communication source, message, and frequency and (2) reassurance versus distress with communication modality. Discussion: Promoting communication through virtual communication strategies may improve mental health outcomes or emotions experienced among family members of ICU patients. ICU healthcare providers should consider tailoring virtual communication modality and frequency to family members’ preferences.