Palliative Care in the ICU
The ICU is a common setting for initiation of palliative care. Palliative care services are implemented for reasons such as pain control or transitioning to hospice with changing of goals of care. The American Board of Internal Medicine highlights the importance of palliative care in the ICU with their Choosing Wisely campaign from the Critical Care Societies Collaborative (see #5).
This short (4-minute) video shows key steps in conducting an effective family meeting for seriously ill patients. More information can be found at this link: |
Grand Rounds
In this Pulmonary Grand Rounds video, More information, as well as Dr. Lindell's full presentation, can be viewed here: |
Additional Reading
The follow two links are excellent overviews of palliative care.
- Palliative care: The last hours and days of life – UpToDate.com
- Overview of comprehensive patient assessment in palliative care – UpToDate.com
For recent topics on palliative care in critical care, visit:
What should you be able to answer after reviewing palliative care?
- Definition of palliative care.
- Understanding the scope of palliative care practice in the ICU
- Be familiar with 7 steps that enable you to inform, connect, and make decisions with families when patients have a serious illness are aren't able to participate.
References
Cook D, Rocker G. Dying with dignity in the intensive care unit. N Engl J Med. Jun 26 2014; 370(26):2506-2514.