|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
end-of-life care
The health care critically ill or injured patients receive after withdrawal of life support and through death. Many intensive care units (ICUs) have policies in place for providing the most dignified and free from pain death possible for both patients and their loved ones choosing it. End-of-life care begins with a decision-making process that involves the attending physician, nurse, family, and, when possible, the patient. Advance directives are reviewed and implemented, but the process of making the decision to withdrawal life support is not instant; it can take hours or weeks as the family copes with the loss they will experience, the critical care team prepares the patient for death on an emotional and physical level, and the patient comes to terms (if still conscious). It involves giving the patient palliative care and helping the patient accept the cultural and spiritual components of death. It also involves educating the patient and their loved ones about what will happen up until death. End-of-life care can occur in a hospital, home, or hospice.
|
Last modified at 9/8/2009 9:04 AM by Committee
|
|
|
|
