In the intensive care unit, decisions have to be made quickly. For many aspects of day-to-day treatment, there are still no studies to show which approach is better.

Clinical research fills these gaps. The answers will benefit the patients of tomorrow.

This is because many questions can only be answered by comparing the clinical courses of a very large number of people. At a single clinic, it would take a very long time to recruit enough people for a study.

If many clinics work together on the same question, the process is significantly faster. Answers are available sooner and can be incorporated into treatment at an earlier stage. Because everyone involved works to the same rules and records the same information, it is possible to compare the courses of the diseases at all.

Because people of all ages receive intensive care, from newborns to those over 100 years old.

Children are not just small adults. To ensure they can be treated just as effectively, we need research that focuses specifically on them. That is why the network has a dedicated section for children. At the same time, we can learn from one another.

People of all ages who are being treated in one of the participating intensive care units. There are specific eligibility criteria for each research question. The clinic’s study team will assess whether a patient is eligible to take part.

A member of the study team will approach you, explain everything and give you the documents. In an intensive care unit, this often begins with a discussion with your next of kin.

We take our time with this and do not pressure anyone into making a quick decision.

Treatment will continue as normal. In addition, your progress will be carefully documented. This will involve a few brief examinations, as well as small blood and urine samples, which will be taken during routine procedures that are taking place anyway.

After your stay in hospital, we will check in with you at set intervals to see how you are getting on. This is usually done by telephone or via a questionnaire. You are free to skip individual questions and may stop at any time.

A random draw will determine which of the two treatment options being tested you will receive. Both options have previously been assessed by the Ethics Committee as safe; based on current knowledge, it is not yet clear which is more effective.

Before you make your decision, the study team will explain in detail which treatment options are being compared and what this means for you. For your safety, the treatment team will remain responsible for your care throughout the study.

This is because a serious illness can have consequences that only become apparent later on: exhaustion, sleep problems, muscle weakness or difficulty concentrating. This is known as post-intensive care syndrome.

If such symptoms are recognised early, steps can be taken to address them.

Yes, always. Nobody is obliged to take part. You do not need to give a reason for refusing, and this will not affect your treatment in any way.

In that case, the person who legally represents you will be asked. They will make the decision as you yourself would have done.

As soon as you are able to make decisions for yourself again, you will be asked once more. Your own decision will then apply.

Only one person is legally authorised to act on your behalf: a person you have appointed as your representative, a court-appointed guardian, or, under certain circumstances, your spouse. In the case of children, the parents make the decisions.

Adult children, siblings, partners or close friends may not make decisions on your behalf without a power of attorney. If you wish a specific person to make decisions for you, it is best to set this out now in a lasting power of attorney.

A living will is always honoured.

Yes, at any time, without having to give a reason and without it affecting your treatment. Simply let the trial team at your clinic know.

The name is replaced by a number. The list linking the number to the individual is kept separately and is subject to special security measures. No one outside your clinic can tell that it is you.

All those involved are bound by a duty of confidentiality. Results are only ever published in aggregate form; they are never presented in such a way that anyone can identify individual people.

No. There is no charge to take part, and no payment is made for taking part.

We welcome people who have undergone or supported someone through intensive care and would like to share their experiences. No prior medical knowledge is required.

Suggestions for research questions are also welcome. Please email us at

critcare@sn.netzwerk-universitaetsmedizin.de.