Palliative Care in Intensive Care Units

Ann L. Jennerich*, Victoria Metaxa, Kateřina Rusinová, Jozef Kesecioglu

*Corresponding author for this work

Research output: Chapter in Book/Report/Conference proceedingChapterAcademicpeer-review

Abstract

For many patients treated in intensive care units (ICUs), clinicians must address complex disease processes and physiology while also helping patients and their family members navigate difficult decisions about life and death. The skills necessary to do this are embodied in the principles of palliative care. Palliative care is provided to patients and family members of patients with serious, life-limiting illness. This type of care entails a holistic approach to the patient, incorporating high-quality communication and management of physical symptoms, psychological distress, and spiritual needs with a goal of improving patients’ quality of life. In this chapter, we discuss how these skills can be used to help clinicians as they engage in shared decision-making with patients and family as well as within the interdisciplinary team. By engaging in conversations about serious illness, acknowledging the emotions of patients and clinicians, and providing culturally competent care, ICU clinicians can use palliative care to prevent many ethical dilemmas from arising. In cases where conflict does occur, specialists may play a role in mitigating disagreements about care.

Original languageEnglish
Title of host publicationEthics in Intensive Care Medicine
EditorsA. Michalsen, N. Sadovnikoff, J. Kesecioglu
PublisherSpringer Nature
Chapter10
Pages107-118
Number of pages12
ISBN (Electronic)978-3-031-29390-0
ISBN (Print)978-3-031-29389-4
DOIs
Publication statusPublished - 2023

Publication series

NameLessons from the ICU
VolumePart F1176
ISSN (Print)2522-5928
ISSN (Electronic)2522-5936

Keywords

  • Clinical ethics
  • Communication
  • Critical care
  • Emotional support
  • Ethics
  • Intensive care medicine
  • Palliative care
  • Symptom management

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