کد مقاله کد نشریه سال انتشار مقاله انگلیسی نسخه تمام متن
2607296 1134238 2010 7 صفحه PDF دانلود رایگان
عنوان انگلیسی مقاله ISI
End of life management of adult patients in an Australian metropolitan intensive care unit: A retrospective observational study
موضوعات مرتبط
علوم پزشکی و سلامت پزشکی و دندانپزشکی مراقبت های ویژه و مراقبتهای ویژه پزشکی
پیش نمایش صفحه اول مقاله
End of life management of adult patients in an Australian metropolitan intensive care unit: A retrospective observational study
چکیده انگلیسی

SummaryBackgroundDeath in the intensive care unit is often predictable. End of life management is often discussed and initiated when futility of care appears evident. Respect for patients wishes, dignity in death, and family involvement in the decision-making process is optimal. This goal may often be elusive.PurposeOur purpose was to review the end of life processes and family involvement within our Unit.MethodsWe conducted a chart audit of all deaths in our 10 bed Unit over a 12-month period, reviewing patient demographics, diagnosis on admission, patient acuity, expectation of death and not-for-resuscitation status. Discussions with the family, treatments withheld and withdrawn and extubation practices were documented. The presence of family or next-of-kin at the time of death, the time to death after withdrawal of therapy and family concerns were recorded.ResultsThere were 70 patients with a mean age of 69 years. Death was expected in 60 patients (86%) and not-for-resuscitation was documented in 58 cases (85%). Family discussions were held in 63 cases (90%) and treatment was withdrawn in 34 deaths (49%). After withdrawal of therapies, 31 patients (44%) died within 6 h. Ventilatory support was withdrawn in 24 cases (36%). Family members were present at the time of death in 46 cases (66%). Family concerns were documented about the end of life care in only 1 case (1.4%).ConclusionOur data suggests that death in our Unit was often predictable and that end of life management was a consultative process.

ناشر
Database: Elsevier - ScienceDirect (ساینس دایرکت)
Journal: Australian Critical Care - Volume 23, Issue 1, February 2010, Pages 13–19
نویسندگان
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