To compare the effectiveness of information delivered to family members of critically ill patients by junior and senior physicians, we performed a prospective randomized multicenter trial in eleven French ICUs. Patients (n=220) were allocated at random to having their family members receive information by only junior or only senior physicians throughout the ICU stay; there were 92 and 93 evaluable cases in the junior and senior groups, respectively, with no significant differences in baseline characteristics. Between days 3 and 5, one family representative per patient was evaluated for comprehension of the diagnosis, prognosis and treatment in the patient; satisfaction with information and care; and presence of symptoms of anxiety and depression. No significant differences were found between the two groups for any of these three criteria. Family members informed by a junior physician were more likely to feel they had not been given enough information time (additional time wanted: 3 [0-6.5] vs. 0 [0-5] minutes, P=0.01) and to have sought additional explanations from their usual doctor (48.9% vs. 34.4%, P=0.004). Specialty residents, if given opportunities for acquiring experience, can become proficient in communicating with families and share this task with senior physicians.