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Georgakis S, Dragioti E, Gouva M, Papathanakos G, Koulouras V. The Complex Dynamics of Decision-Making at the End of Life in the Intensive Care Unit: A Systematic Review of Stakeholders' Views and Influential Factors. Cureus 2024; 16:e52912. [PMID: 38406151 PMCID: PMC10893775 DOI: 10.7759/cureus.52912] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 01/25/2024] [Indexed: 02/27/2024] Open
Abstract
A lack of consensus resulting in severe conflicts is often observed between the stakeholders regarding their respective roles in end-of-life (EOL) decision-making in the ICU. Since the burden of these decisions lies upon the individuals, their opinions must be known by medical, judicial, legislative, and governmental authorities. Part of the solution to the issues that arise would be to examine and understand the views of the people in different societies. Hence, in this systematic review, we assessed the attitudes of the physicians, nurses, families, and the general public toward who should be involved in decision-making and influencing factors. Toward this, we searched three electronic databases, i.e., PubMed, CINAHL (Cumulative Index to Nursing & Allied Health), and Embase. A matrix was developed, discussed, accepted, and used for data extraction by two independent investigators. Study quality was evaluated using the Newcastle-Ottawa Scale. Data were extracted by one researcher and double-checked by a second one, and any discrepancies were discussed with a third researcher. The data were analyzed descriptively and synthesized according to the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA) guidelines. Thirty-three studies met our inclusion criteria. Most involved healthcare professionals and reported geographic variations in different timeframes. While paternalistic features have been observed, physicians overall showed an inclination toward collaborative decision-making. Correspondingly, the nursing staff, families, and the public are aligned toward patient and relatives' participation, with nurses expressing their own involvement as well. Six categories of influencing factors were identified, with high-impact factors, including demographics, fear of litigation, and regulation-related ones. Findings delineate three key points. Firstly, overall stakeholders' perspectives toward EOL decision-making in the ICU seem to be leaning toward a more collaborative decision-making direction. Secondly, to reduce conflicts and reach a consensus, multifaceted efforts are needed by both healthcare professionals and governmental/regulatory authorities. Finally, due to the multifactorial complexity of the subject, directly related to demographic and regulatory factors, these efforts should be more extensively sought at a regional level.
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Affiliation(s)
- Spiros Georgakis
- Faculty of Medicine, School of Health Sciences, University of Ioannina, Ioannina, GRC
| | - Elena Dragioti
- Research Laboratory Psychology of Patients, Families & Health Professionals, University of Ioannina, Ioannina, GRC
| | - Mary Gouva
- Research Laboratory Psychology of Patients, Families & Health Professionals, University of Ioannina, Ioannina, GRC
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Antonio ACP, Antonio JP. Palliative extubation experience in a community hospital in southern Brazil. REVISTA DA ASSOCIACAO MEDICA BRASILEIRA (1992) 2023; 69:e20230208. [PMID: 37194907 DOI: 10.1590/1806-9282.20230208] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/18/2023] [Accepted: 02/23/2023] [Indexed: 05/18/2023]
Affiliation(s)
- Ana Carolina Peçanha Antonio
- Hospital de Clínicas de Porto Alegre - Porto Alegre (RS), Brazil
- Rede de Saúde Divina Providência, Hospital Independência - Porto Alegre (RS), Brazil
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Lobo SM, Creutzfeldt CJ, Maia IS, Town JA, Amorim E, Kross EK, Çoruh B, Patel PV, Jannotta GE, Lewis A, Greer DM, Curtis JR, Sharma M, Wahlster S. Perceptions of Critical Care Shortages, Resource Use, and Provider Well-being During the COVID-19 Pandemic: A Survey of 1,985 Health Care Providers in Brazil. Chest 2022; 161:1526-1542. [PMID: 35150658 PMCID: PMC8828383 DOI: 10.1016/j.chest.2022.01.057] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/21/2021] [Revised: 01/18/2022] [Accepted: 01/31/2022] [Indexed: 01/14/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Brazil has been disproportionately affected by COVID-19, placing a high burden on ICUs. RESEARCH QUESTION Are perceptions of ICU resource availability associated with end-of-life decisions and burnout among health care providers (HCPs) during COVID-19 surges in Brazil? STUDY DESIGN AND METHODS We electronically administered a survey to multidisciplinary ICU HCPs during two 2-week periods (in June 2020 and March 2021) coinciding with COVID-19 surges. We examined responses across geographical regions and performed multivariate regressions to explore factors associated with reports of: (1) families being allowed less input in decisions about maintaining life-sustaining treatments for patients with COVID-19 and (2) emotional distress and burnout. RESULTS We included 1,985 respondents (57% physicians, 14% nurses, 12% respiratory therapists, 16% other HCPs). More respondents reported shortages during the second surge compared with the first (P < .05 for all comparisons), including lower availability of intensivists (66% vs 42%), ICU nurses (53% vs 36%), ICU beds (68% vs 22%), and ventilators for patients with COVID-19 (80% vs 70%); shortages were highest in the North. One-quarter of HCPs reported that families were allowed less input in decisions about maintaining life-sustaining treatments for patients with COVID-19, which was associated with lack of intensivists (adjusted relative risk [aRR], 1.37; 95% CI, 1.05-1.80) and ICU beds (aRR, 1.71; 95% CI, 1.16-2.62) during the first surge and lack of N95 masks (aRR, 1.43; 95% CI, 1.10-1.85), noninvasive positive pressure ventilation (aRR, 1.56; 95% CI, 1.18-2.07), and oxygen concentrators (aRR, 1.50; 95% CI, 1.13-2.00) during the second surge. Burnout was higher during the second surge (60% vs 71%; P < .001), associated with witnessing colleagues at one's hospital contract COVID-19 during both surges (aRR, 1.55 [95% CI, 1.25-1.93] and 1.31 [95% CI, 1.11-1.55], respectively), as well as worries about finances (aRR, 1.28; 95% CI, 1.02-1.61) and lack of ICU nurses (aRR, 1.25; 95% CI, 1.02-1.53) during the first surge. INTERPRETATION During the COVID-19 pandemic, ICU HCPs in Brazil experienced substantial resource shortages, health care disparities between regions, changes in end-of-life care associated with resource shortages, and high proportions of burnout.
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Affiliation(s)
- Suzana M Lobo
- Intensive Care Department, Hospital de Base, São José do Rio Preto, São Paulo, Brazil; Associação de Medicina Intensiva Brasileira, Florianópolis, Santa Catarina, Brazil
| | - Claire J Creutzfeldt
- Department of Neurology, Harborview Medical Center, University of Washington, Seattle, WA; Department of Neurology, Harborview Medical Center, University of Washington, Seattle, WA
| | - Israel S Maia
- Department of Intensive Care Medicine, Hospital Nereu Ramos, Florianópolis, Santa Catarina, Brazil
| | - James A Town
- Division of Pulmonary, Critical Care and Sleep Medicine, Department of Medicine, University of Washington, Seattle, WA
| | - Edilberto Amorim
- Department of Neurology, University of California, San Francisco, San Francisco, CA
| | - Erin K Kross
- Cambia Palliative Care Center of Excellence, University of Washington, Seattle, WA; Division of Pulmonary, Critical Care and Sleep Medicine, Department of Medicine, University of Washington, Seattle, WA
| | - Başak Çoruh
- Division of Pulmonary, Critical Care and Sleep Medicine, Department of Medicine, University of Washington, Seattle, WA
| | - Pratik V Patel
- Department of Anesthesiology and Pain Medicine, Harborview Medical Center, University of Washington, Seattle, WA
| | - Gemi E Jannotta
- Department of Anesthesiology and Pain Medicine, Harborview Medical Center, University of Washington, Seattle, WA
| | - Ariane Lewis
- Departments of Neurology and Neurosurgery, New York University, New York, NY
| | - David M Greer
- Department of Neurology, Boston University, Boston, MA
| | - J Randall Curtis
- Department of Intensive Care Medicine, Hospital Nereu Ramos, Florianópolis, Santa Catarina, Brazil; Department of Neurology, University of California, San Francisco, San Francisco, CA
| | - Monisha Sharma
- Department of Global Health, University of Washington, Seattle, WA
| | - Sarah Wahlster
- Department of Neurology, Harborview Medical Center, University of Washington, Seattle, WA; Department of Anesthesiology and Pain Medicine, Harborview Medical Center, University of Washington, Seattle, WA; Department of Neurological Surgery, Harborview Medical Center, University of Washington, Seattle, WA.
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Abstract
Supplemental Digital Content is available in the text. End-of-life care and decisions on withdrawal of life-sustaining therapies vary across countries, which may affect the feasibility of future multicenter cardiac arrest trials. In Brazil, withdrawal of life-sustaining therapy is reportedly uncommon, allowing the natural history of postcardiac arrest hypoxic-ischemic brain injury to present itself. We aimed to characterize approaches to neuroprognostication of cardiac arrest survivors among physicians in Brazil.
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Lacerda FH, Checoli PG, Silva CMDD, Brandão CE, Forte DN, Besen BAMP. Mechanical ventilation withdrawal as a palliative procedure in a Brazilian intensive care unit. Rev Bras Ter Intensiva 2020; 32:528-534. [PMID: 33470354 PMCID: PMC7853674 DOI: 10.5935/0103-507x.20200090] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/12/2020] [Accepted: 04/19/2020] [Indexed: 11/30/2022] Open
Abstract
Objective To describe the characteristics and outcomes of patients undergoing mechanical ventilation withdrawal and to compare them to mechanically ventilated patients with limitations (withhold or withdrawal) of life-sustaining therapies but who did not undergo mechanical ventilation withdrawal. Methods This was a retrospective cohort study from January 2014 to December 2018 of mechanically ventilated patients with any organ support limitation admitted to a single intensive care unit. We compared patients who underwent mechanical ventilation withdrawal and those who did not regarding intensive care unit and hospital mortality and length of stay in both an unadjusted analysis and a propensity score matched subsample. We also analyzed the time from mechanical ventilation withdrawal to death. Results Out of 282 patients with life-sustaining therapy limitations, 31 (11%) underwent mechanical ventilation withdrawal. There was no baseline difference between groups. Intensive care unit and hospital mortality rates were 71% versus 57% and 93% versus 80%, respectively, among patients who underwent mechanical ventilation withdrawal and those who did not. The median intensive care unit length of stay was 7 versus 8 days (p = 0.6), and the hospital length of stay was 9 versus 15 days (p = 0.015). Hospital mortality was not significantly different (25/31; 81% versus 29/31; 93%; p = 0.26) after matching. The median time from mechanical ventilation withdrawal until death was 2 days [0 - 5], and 10/31 (32%) patients died within 24 hours after mechanical ventilation withdrawal. Conclusion In this Brazilian report, mechanical ventilation withdrawal represented 11% of all patients with treatment limitations and was not associated with increased hospital mortality after propensity score matching on relevant covariates.
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Affiliation(s)
- Fábio Holanda Lacerda
- Unidade de Terapia Intensiva, Hospital da Luz - São Paulo (SP), Brasil.,Unidade de Terapia Intensiva, AC Camargo Cancer Center - São Paulo (SP), Brasil.,Unidade de Terapia Intensiva, Hospital OTOclínica - Fortaleza (CE), Brasil
| | - Pedro Garcia Checoli
- Unidade de Terapia Intensiva, Hospital da Luz - São Paulo (SP), Brasil.,Unidade de Terapia Intensiva, Hospital Sírio-Libanês - São Paulo (SP), Brasil
| | - Carla Marchini Dias da Silva
- Unidade de Terapia Intensiva, Hospital da Luz - São Paulo (SP), Brasil.,Unidade de Terapia Intensiva, AC Camargo Cancer Center - São Paulo (SP), Brasil
| | - Carlos Eduardo Brandão
- Unidade de Terapia Intensiva, Hospital da Luz - São Paulo (SP), Brasil.,Unidade de Terapia Intensiva, AC Camargo Cancer Center - São Paulo (SP), Brasil
| | - Daniel Neves Forte
- Programa de Cuidados Paliativos, Hospital Sírio-Libanês - São Paulo (SP), Brasil
| | - Bruno Adler Maccagnan Pinheiro Besen
- Unidade de Terapia Intensiva, Hospital da Luz - São Paulo (SP), Brasil.,Unidade de Terapia Intensiva, Disciplina de Emergências Clínicas, Hospital das Clínicas, Faculdade de Medicina, Universidade de São Paulo - São Paulo, Brasil
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Fumis RRL, Schettino GDPP, Rogovschi PB, Corrêa TD. Would you like to be admitted to the ICU? The preferences of intensivists and general public according to different outcomes. J Crit Care 2019; 53:193-197. [PMID: 31271954 DOI: 10.1016/j.jcrc.2019.06.019] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/22/2019] [Revised: 06/17/2019] [Accepted: 06/20/2019] [Indexed: 11/26/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Discussions about invasiveness of care (advanced directives) and end-of-life issues have become frequent among intensivists and patients. Nevertheless, there are considerable divergences in the attitudes between intensivists and patients toward end-of-life care in the intensive care units (ICU). METHODS The goal was to compare the preferences between intensivists and general public regarding ICU admission of a hypothetical patient with six different clinical outcomes. For that, intensivists and the general public (university graduate professionals outside the area of health) were invited to participate in this study. A survey was conducted with a hypothetical patient with six different clinical outcomes ranging from ICU discharge without any neurological sequelae, nor dependence for daily activities, to death. The WHOQOL-BREF was applied. Comparisons were made between the answers provided by intensivists regarding what they would choose for themselves and their patients, and the preferences of general public. RESULTS Between July 2013 and July 2016, 300 participants in 5 hospitals in São Paulo, Brazil were invited to participate in this study, of whom 257 (85.7%) responded the survey. Eighty-two intensivists responded what they would choose for themselves, 81 intensivists responded what they would choose for their patients, and 94 people from general public responded what they would choose for themselves. Quality of life did not differ among the groups. In all scenarios, except when the outcome was severe disability or death, intensivists were more likely to choose ICU admission for their patients than for themselves (p < .05 for all). Compared with general public, intensivists were more likely to choose ICU admission for themselves only when the best clinical scenario outcome is considered (p < .001). General public was significantly less prone to choosing ICU admission than intensivists when choosing for their patients, in three out of six scenarios (p < .001 for all). CONCLUSIONS Considerable divergences exist between intensivists' and patients' preferences toward end-of-life care. Advanced care planning and effective ongoing communication among intensivists, patients and relatives are essential to improve end-of-life decisions and the quality of care.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Pedro Bribean Rogovschi
- Dept. of Critical Care Medicine, Hospital Israelita Albert Einstein, São Paulo, Brazil; Dept. of Critical Care Medicine, Hospital Municipal Dr. Moysés Deutsch, São Paulo, Brazil
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Ramos JGR, Vieira RD, Tourinho FC, Ismael A, Ribeiro DC, de Medeiro HJ, Forte DN. Withholding and Withdrawal of Treatments: Differences in Perceptions between Intensivists, Oncologists, and Prosecutors in Brazil. J Palliat Med 2019; 22:1099-1105. [PMID: 30973293 DOI: 10.1089/jpm.2018.0554] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
Background: Legal concerns have been implicated in the occurrence of variability in decisions of limitations of medical treatment (LOMT) before death. Objective: We aimed to assess differences in perceptions between physicians and prosecutors toward LOMT. Measurements: We sent a survey to intensivists, oncologists, and prosecutors from Brazil, from February 2018 to May 2018. Respondents rated the degree of agreement with withholding or withdrawal of therapies in four different vignettes portraying a patient with terminal lung cancer. We measured the difference in agreement between respondents. Results: There were 748 respondents, with 522 (69.8%) intensivists, 106 (14.2%) oncologists, and 120 (16%) prosecutors. Most respondents agreed with withhold of chemotherapy (95.2%), withhold of mechanical ventilation (MV) (90.2%), and withdrawal of MV (78.4%), but most (75%) disagreed with withdrawal of MV without surrogate's consent. Prosecutors were less likely than intensivists and oncologists to agree with withhold of chemotherapy (95.7% vs. 99.2% vs. 100%, respectively, p < 0.001) and withhold of MV (82.4% vs. 98.3% vs. 97.9%, respectively, p < 0.001), whereas intensivists were more likely to agree with withdrawal of MV than oncologists (87.1% vs. 76.1%, p = 0.002). Moreover, prosecutors were more likely to agree with withholding of active cancer treatment than with withholding of MV [difference (95% confidence interval, CI) = 13.2% (5.2 to 21.6), p = 0.001], whereas physicians were more likely to agree with withholding than with withdrawal of MV [difference (95% CI) = 10.9% (7.8 to 14), p < 0.001]. Conclusions: This study found differences and agreements in perceptions toward LOMT between prosecutors, intensivists, and oncologists, which may inform the discourse aimed at improving end-of-life decisions.
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Affiliation(s)
- João Gabriel Rosa Ramos
- Intensive Care Unit, Hospital Sao Rafael, Salvador, Brazil.,Palliative Care Team, Hospital Sao Rafael, Salvador, Brazil.,Clinica Florence Hospice and Rehabilitation Center, Salvador, Brazil
| | | | | | - Andre Ismael
- Prosecution Service at Distrito Federal e Territorios, Brasilia, Brazil
| | | | | | - Daniel Neves Forte
- Teaching and Research on Palliative Care Program, Hospital Sirio-Libanes, Sao Paulo, Brazil
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Coelho CBT, Yankaskas JR. New concepts in palliative care in the intensive care unit. Rev Bras Ter Intensiva 2018; 29:222-230. [PMID: 28977262 PMCID: PMC5496757 DOI: 10.5935/0103-507x.20170031] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/14/2016] [Accepted: 09/12/2016] [Indexed: 01/03/2023] Open
Abstract
Some patients admitted to an intensive care unit may face a terminal illness
situation, which usually leads to death. Knowledge of palliative care is
strongly recommended for the health care providers who are taking care of these
patients. In many situations, the patients should be evaluated daily as the
introduction of further treatments may not be beneficial to them. The
discussions among health team members that are related to prognosis and the
goals of care should be carefully evaluated in collaboration with the patients
and their families. The adoption of protocols related to end-of-life patients in
the intensive care unit is fundamental. A multidisciplinary team is important
for determining whether the withdrawal or withholding of advanced care is
required. In addition, patients and families should be informed that palliative
care involves the best possible care for that specific situation, as well as
respect for their wishes and the consideration of social and spiritual
backgrounds. Thus, the aim of this review is to present palliative care as a
reasonable option to support the intensive care unit team in assisting
terminally ill patients. Updates regarding diet, mechanical ventilation, and
dialysis in these patients will be presented. Additionally, the hospice-model
philosophy as an alternative to the intensive care unit/hospital environment
will be discussed.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - James R Yankaskas
- University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill - North Carolina, United States
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Olding M, McMillan SE, Reeves S, Schmitt MH, Puntillo K, Kitto S. Patient and family involvement in adult critical and intensive care settings: a scoping review. Health Expect 2016; 19:1183-1202. [PMID: 27878937 PMCID: PMC5139045 DOI: 10.1111/hex.12402] [Citation(s) in RCA: 146] [Impact Index Per Article: 18.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 08/05/2015] [Indexed: 12/30/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Despite international bodies calling for increased patient and family involvement, these concepts remain poorly defined within literature on critical and intensive care settings. OBJECTIVE This scoping review investigates the extent and range of literature on patient and family involvement in critical and intensive care settings. Methodological and empirical gaps are identified, and a future agenda for research into optimizing patient and family involvement is outlined. METHODS Searches of MEDLINE, CINAHL, Social Work Abstracts and PsycINFO were conducted. English-language articles published between 2003 and 2014 were retrieved. Articles were included if the studies were undertaken in an intensive care or critical care setting, addressed the topic of patient and family involvement, included a sample of adult critical care patients, their families and/or critical care providers. Two reviewers extracted and charted data and analysed findings using qualitative content analysis. FINDINGS A total of 892 articles were screened, 124 were eligible for analysis, including 61 quantitative, 61 qualitative and 2 mixed-methods studies. There was a significant gap in research on patient involvement in the intensive care unit. The analysis identified five different components of family and patient involvement: (i) presence, (ii) having needs met/being supported, (iii) communication, (iv) decision making and (v) contributing to care. CONCLUSION Three research gaps were identified that require addressing: (i) the scope, extent and nature of patient involvement in intensive care settings; (ii) the broader socio-cultural processes that shape patient and family involvement; and (iii) the bidirectional implications between patient/family involvement and interprofessional teamwork.
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Affiliation(s)
- Michelle Olding
- British Columbia Centre for Excellence in HIV/AIDSVancouverBCCanada
| | - Sarah E. McMillan
- Collaborative Academic PracticeUniversity Health NetworkTorontoONCanada
| | - Scott Reeves
- Centre for Health and Social Care ResearchKingston University and St. George's University of LondonLondonUK
| | | | | | - Simon Kitto
- Department of Innovation in Medical EducationFaculty of MedicineUniversity of OttawaOttawaONCanada
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Mazutti SRG, Nascimento ADF, Fumis RRL. Limitation to Advanced Life Support in patients admitted to intensive care unit with integrated palliative care. Rev Bras Ter Intensiva 2016; 28:294-300. [PMID: 27626949 PMCID: PMC5051188 DOI: 10.5935/0103-507x.20160042] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/08/2016] [Accepted: 05/05/2016] [Indexed: 01/16/2023] Open
Abstract
Objective To estimate the incidence of limitations to Advanced Life Support in
critically ill patients admitted to an intensive care unit with integrated
palliative care. Methods This retrospective cohort study included patients in the palliative care
program of the intensive care unit of Hospital Paulistano
over 18 years of age from May 1, 2011, to January 31, 2014. The limitations
to Advanced Life Support that were analyzed included do-not-resuscitate
orders, mechanical ventilation, dialysis and vasoactive drugs. Central
tendency measures were calculated for quantitative variables. The
chi-squared test was used to compare the characteristics of patients with or
without limits to Advanced Life Support, and the Wilcoxon test was used to
compare length of stay after Advanced Life Support. Confidence intervals
reflecting p ≤ 0.05 were considered for statistical significance. Results A total of 3,487 patients were admitted to the intensive care unit, of whom
342 were included in the palliative care program. It was observed that after
entering the palliative care program, it took a median of 2 (1 - 4) days for
death to occur in the intensive care unit and 4 (2 - 11) days for hospital
death to occur. Many of the limitations to Advanced Life Support (42.7%)
took place on the first day of hospitalization. Cardiopulmonary
resuscitation (96.8%) and ventilatory support (73.6%) were the most adopted
limitations. Conclusion The contribution of palliative care integrated into the intensive care unit
was important for the practice of orthothanasia, i.e., the non-extension of
the life of a critically ill patient by artificial means.
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Su WH, Huang MY, Lai EY. Outcomes of Palliative Care Team Consultation for Ventilator Withdrawal from Terminally Ill Patients in the Intensive Care Unit. INT J GERONTOL 2016. [DOI: 10.1016/j.ijge.2016.03.007] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/28/2022] Open
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Gallagher A, Bousso RS, McCarthy J, Kohlen H, Andrews T, Paganini MC, Abu-El-Noor NI, Cox A, Haas M, Arber A, Abu-El-Noor MK, Baliza MF, Padilha KG. Negotiated reorienting: A grounded theory of nurses’ end-of-life decision-making in the intensive care unit. Int J Nurs Stud 2015; 52:794-803. [DOI: 10.1016/j.ijnurstu.2014.12.003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 32] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/24/2014] [Revised: 09/12/2014] [Accepted: 12/11/2014] [Indexed: 10/24/2022]
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Abstract
BACKGROUND The intensive care unit environment focuses on interventions and support therapies that prolong life. The exercise by nurses of their autonomy impacts on perception of the role they assume in the multidisciplinary team and on their function in the intensive care unit context. There is much international research relating to nurses' involvement in end-of-life situations; however, there is a paucity of research in this area in Brazil. In the Brazilian medical scenario, life support limitation generated a certain reluctance of a legal nature, which has now become unjustifiable with the publication of a resolution by the Federal Medical Council. In Brazil, the lack of medical commitments to end-of-life care is evident. OBJECTIVE To understand the process by which nurses exercise autonomy in making end-of-life decisions in intensive care units. RESEARCH DESIGN Symbolic Interactionism and Corbin and Strauss theory methodology were used for this study. PARTICIPANTS AND RESEARCH CONTEXT Data were collected through single audio-recorded qualitative interviews with 14 critical care nurses. The comparative analysis of the data has permitted the understanding of the meaning of nurse's experience in exercising autonomy relating to end-of-life decision-making. ETHICAL CONSIDERATIONS Institutional ethics approval was obtained for data collection. Participants gave informed consent. All data were anonymized. FINDINGS The results revealed that nurses experience the need to exercise autonomy in intensive care units on a daily basis. Their experience expressed by the process of increase opportunities to exercise autonomy is conditioned by the pressure of the intensive care unit environment, in which nurses can grow, feel empowered, and exercise their autonomy or else can continuously depend on the decisions made by other professionals. CONCLUSION Nurses exercise their autonomy through care. They work to create new spaces at the same time that they acquire new knowledge and make decisions. Because of the complexity of the end-of-life situation, nurses must adopt a proactive attitude that inserts them into the decision-making process.
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Shih CY, Hung MC, Lu HM, Chen L, Huang SJ, Wang JD. Incidence, life expectancy and prognostic factors in cancer patients under prolonged mechanical ventilation: a nationwide analysis of 5,138 cases during 1998-2007. Crit Care 2013; 17:R144. [PMID: 23876301 PMCID: PMC4057492 DOI: 10.1186/cc12823] [Citation(s) in RCA: 29] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/20/2012] [Accepted: 07/22/2013] [Indexed: 02/02/2023] Open
Abstract
INTRODUCTION This study is aimed at determining the incidence, survival rate, life expectancy, quality-adjusted life expectancy (QALE) and prognostic factors in patients with cancer in different organ systems undergoing prolonged mechanical ventilation (PMV). METHODS We used data from the National Health Insurance Research Database of Taiwan from 1998 to 2007 and linked it with the National Mortality Registry to ascertain mortality. Subjects who received PMV, defined as having undergone mechanical ventilation continuously for longer than 21 days, were enrolled. The incidence of cancer patients requiring PMV was calculated, with the exception of patients with multiple cancers. The life expectancies and QALE of patients with different types of cancer were estimated. Quality-of-life data were taken from a sample of 142 patients who received PMV. A multivariable proportional hazards model was constructed to assess the effect of different prognostic factors, including age, gender, type of cancer, metastasis, comorbidities and hospital levels. RESULTS Among 9,011 cancer patients receiving mechanical ventilation for more than 7 days, 5,138 undergoing PMV had a median survival of 1.37 months (interquartile range [IQR], 0.50 to 4.57) and a 1-yr survival rate of 14.3% (95% confidence interval [CI], 13.3% to 15.3%). The incidence of PMV was 10.4 per 100 ICU admissions. Head and neck cancer patients seemed to survive the longest. The overall life expectancy was 1.21 years, with estimated QALE ranging from 0.17 to 0.37 quality-adjusted life years for patients with poor and partial cognition, respectively. Cancer of liver (hazard ratio [HR], 1.55; 95% CI, 1.34 to 1.78), lung (HR, 1.45; 95% CI, 1.30 to 1.41) and metastasis (HR, 1.53; 95% CI, 1.42 to 1.65) were found to predict shorter survival independently. CONCLUSIONS Cancer patients requiring PMV had poor long-term outcomes. Palliative care should be considered early in these patients, especially when metastasis has occurred.
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Physicians' decision-making roles for critically ill patients: what is the "right" approach?*. Crit Care Med 2013; 41:1587-8. [PMID: 23685587 DOI: 10.1097/ccm.0b013e31828c2631] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/27/2022]
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Forte DN, Vincent JL, Velasco IT, Park M. Association between education in EOL care and variability in EOL practice: a survey of ICU physicians. Intensive Care Med 2012; 38:404-12. [PMID: 22222566 DOI: 10.1007/s00134-011-2400-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 48] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/05/2010] [Accepted: 08/29/2011] [Indexed: 11/24/2022]
Abstract
PURPOSE This study investigated the association between physician education in EOL and variability in EOL practice, as well as the differences between beliefs and practices regarding EOL in the ICU. METHODS Physicians from 11 ICUs at a university hospital completed a survey presenting a patient in a vegetative state with no family or advance directives. Questions addressed approaches to EOL care, as well physicians' personal, professional and EOL educational characteristics. RESULTS The response rate was 89%, with 105 questionnaires analyzed. Mean age was 38 ± 8 years, with a mean of 14 ± 7 years since graduation. Physicians who did not apply do-not-resuscitate (DNR) orders were less likely to have attended EOL classes than those who applied written DNR orders [0/7 vs. 31/47, OR = 0.549 (0.356-0.848), P = 0.001]. Physicians who involved nurses in the decision-making process were more likely to be ICU specialists [17/22 vs. 46/83, OR = 4.1959 (1.271-13.845), P = 0.013] than physicians who made such decisions among themselves or referred to ethical or judicial committees. Physicians who would apply "full code" had less often read about EOL [3/22 vs. 11/20, OR = 0.0939 (0.012-0.710), P = 0.012] and had less interest in discussing EOL [17/22 vs. 20/20, OR = 0.210 (0.122-0.361), P < 0.001], than physicians who would withdraw life-sustaining therapies. Forty-four percent of respondents would not do what they believed was best for their patient, with 98% of them believing a less aggressive attitude preferable. Legal concerns were the leading cause for this dichotomy. CONCLUSIONS Physician education about EOL is associated with variability in EOL decisions in the ICU. Moreover, actual practice may differ from what physicians believe is best for the patient.
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Affiliation(s)
- Daniel Neves Forte
- Intensive Care Unit, Emergency Department, Hospital das Clinicas, University of Sao Paulo Medical School, São Paulo, Brazil.
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Burgess M, Cha S, Tung EE. Advance care planning in the skilled nursing facility: what do we need for success? Hosp Pract (1995) 2011; 39:85-90. [PMID: 21441763 DOI: 10.3810/hp.2011.02.378] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/30/2023]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Despite the established benefits of advance care planning (ACP) in the geriatric population, documentation of ACP counseling in the skilled nursing facility (SNF) setting remains poor. The primary aim of this study was to identify key barriers to ACP completion among SNF providers. A secondary aim was to identify ACP practice-based differences between SNF physicians and midlevel providers. METHODS As part of a divisional quality improvement project, 43 SNF providers from the area's 9 facilities were asked to complete an optional 14-item electronic survey. The survey was designed to explore and contrast SNF physicians' and midlevel providers' experiences with ACP counseling and documentation. RESULTS We obtained a 91% completion rate. Systems-based factors, such as lack of a centralized document location, inconsistent documentation habits, dispersion of responsibility, lack of time, and under-recognition of team members' efforts, were cited as key barriers to ACP documentation. Perceived patient characteristics contributing to a low completion rate included cognitive impairment and lack of family involvement. Key differences between the 2 provider groups included the location of their ACP documentation (electronic medical record vs paper chart), frequency of documentation, and recognition of who is documenting the ACP. CONCLUSION The survey demonstrated that systems-based barriers contribute to poor ACP documentation in the SNF setting. Key differences in attitudes about the impact of ACP on loved ones were identified between provider groups. Strategies aimed at mitigating practice-level barriers, such as standardizing a location for ACP documentation and formalizing workflow, are needed for increased ACP completion rates in SNFs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mary Burgess
- Mayo Clinic, Internal Medicine Residency Program, Rochester, MN 55902, USA.
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Soares M. End of life care in Brazil: the long and winding road. CRITICAL CARE : THE OFFICIAL JOURNAL OF THE CRITICAL CARE FORUM 2011; 15:110. [PMID: 21349210 PMCID: PMC3222051 DOI: 10.1186/cc9962] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/20/2022]
Abstract
Disagreements between the perceptions of nurses and physicians regarding end-of-life (EOL) decisions are frequent. In a survey carried out in 13 Brazilian ICUs, Fumis and Deheinzelin reported that the majority of nurses, physicians and family members are in favor of limiting life-sustaining therapies in terminally ill patients and that such decisions should involve the ICU team, patients and family members. However, they also observed significant differences among the attitudes when faced with an incompetent patient. The present commentary evaluates the potential implications of the study results, contextualizing with the current scenario surrounding EOL care in Brazil.
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Affiliation(s)
- Márcio Soares
- D'Or Institute for Research and Education, Rua Diniz Cordeiro, 30 - 3° andar, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil.
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Epker JL, de Groot YJ, Kompanje EJ. Respiratory support withdrawal in intensive care units: international differences stressed and straightened! Crit Care 2011; 15:405; author reply 405. [PMID: 21371290 PMCID: PMC3219311 DOI: 10.1186/cc10033] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/10/2022] Open
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