Gordy S, Klein E. Advance directives in the trauma intensive care unit: Do they really matter?
Int J Crit Illn Inj Sci 2012;
1:132-7. [PMID:
22229138 PMCID:
PMC3249846 DOI:
10.4103/2229-5151.84800]
[Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/04/2022] Open
Abstract
Despite advances in the care of the injured patient, 22% of trauma patients admitted to the intensive care unit will die from their injuries. As a majority of these deaths will occur due to withdrawal of care, intensivists should be proficient in their ability to discuss end-of-life care with patients and families. While the use of advance directives to document patients' wishes has increased, their utility is uncertain. We review the effectiveness and obstacles of advance directives.
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