End-of-Life Communication in the Icu

About this book

Advances in technology have led to a global network of physicians in which information, data, and practices can be openly shared to help ensure high-quality care. End-of-Life Communication in the ICU is a manifestation of this belief that a multiplicity of perspectives can assist in the decision-making process. The book, with contributions from a diverse group of leaders in the international ICU community, examines how different cultures view death and explores how healthcare providers around the world communicate to patients and family members such sensitive issues as withholding or withdrawing life support and discussing options when the outcome is uncertain. Intensivists and other members of the intensive care unit will benefit greatly from this thoughtful dialogue about the emotional, ethical, and legal complexities of making end-of-life decisions.

Written for:

Medical students, residents and practitioners in these specialties: Intensive Care/Critical Care Medicine, Surgery, Oncology, Emergency Medicine, Family Medicine/General Practice, Ethicists, Critical Care Nurses

Table of contents

Multinational perspective on end of life issues in the ICU.- Critical illness and end of life issues: a global view.- Death in a lonely place: pathophysiology of the dying patient.- History of the definitions of death: 18th to 20th century.- What it feels like to live and die on life support.- Who is in charge of the ICU?.- Communicating with the difficult family.- Emotions in the ICU.- Role of the ethics committee in end of life care.- Medical liability issues.- End of life issues vs. politics.- Comments from ancillary healthcare providers.- ICU of the future