Creating a Comfort Environment at End-of Life in Critical Care: A Review
Journal Title: Journal of Intensive and Critical Care - Year 2017, Vol 3, Issue 2
Abstract
End-of life situations occur routinely in critical care. Depending on age and diagnosis, it is estimated that 10-29% of adults will die in the intensive care unit (ICU) [1]. When the goal of treatment changes from life-sustaining to comfort measures, it is a challenge for the staff to quickly switch gears and provide end-of-life care in an environment that is fast-paced, noisy, and even chaotic at times. This transition can be stressful for nurses and upsetting to patients and their families [2]. A review of the article “All the Comforts of Home: Transformation to a Comfort Environment in Critical Care” [3] shows how the staff of a 14-bed intensive care unit in a community hospital worked to create a peaceful, homelike atmosphere for patients and families at end-of-life.
Authors and Affiliations
Betsey S Dreher
Keywords
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- EP ID EP300708
- DOI 10.21767/2471-8505.100081
- Views 71
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