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Chapter 18 - The Role of Palliative Care in the Intensive Care Unit

Published online by Cambridge University Press:  27 May 2021

By
Adeline L. Goss  and
Claire J. Creutzfeldt
Edited by
Matthew N. Jaffa  and
David Y. Hwang
Matthew N. Jaffa
Affiliation:
Hartford Hospital, Connecticut
David Y. Hwang
Affiliation:
Yale University, Connecticut
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Summary

Originating mostly in the world of oncology, palliative care has matured into a wide-ranging field aimed at improving the quality of life of all patients and their families facing the problems associated with life-threatening illnesses. Palliative care aims at preventing and relieving physical, social, psychological, and spiritual suffering. Components of palliative care vary based on the setting, but generally include (1) relationship and rapport building with patients and family members; (2) addressing and managing physical, social, psychological, and spiritual symptoms; (3) eliciting patient and family values; (4) interpreting and communicating information about the patient’s illness, prognosis, and treatment options and ensuring understanding; (5) helping patients and families to cope with life-altering circumstances and preventing or managing grief; (6) identifying and resolving conflicts, either between family members, between different medical team members, or between family and medical teams; (7) assisting with goal setting and advance care planning; and (8) hospice referral and discharge planning.1,2 Palliative care can be provided to patients and their families in any setting and at any time during the course of an illness, and may be offered alongside curative treatment.

Type
Chapter
Information
Shared Decision Making in Adult Critical Care , pp. 157 - 166
Publisher: Cambridge University Press
Print publication year: 2021

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