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VOLUME 19 , ISSUE 11 ( 2015 ) > List of Articles

REVIEW ARTICLE

Framework for decision-making and management of end-of-life decisions in Intensive Care Units: A modified protocol

Namrata Maheshwari, Alex Psirides, Amit K. Mandal

Keywords : Checklist, end-of-life decisions, Intensive Care Unit

Citation Information : Maheshwari N, Psirides A, Mandal AK. Framework for decision-making and management of end-of-life decisions in Intensive Care Units: A modified protocol. Indian J Crit Care Med 2015; 19 (11):655-660.

DOI: 10.4103/0972-5229.169339

License: CC BY-ND 3.0

Published Online: 01-02-2013

Copyright Statement:  Copyright © 2015; The Author(s).


Abstract

End-of-life decisions are being made daily in Intensive Care Units worldwide. The spectrum of options varies from full-continued care, withholding treatment, withdrawing treatment, and active life-ending procedures depending on the institutional practices and legal framework. Considering the complexity of the situation and the legalities involved, it is important to have a structured approach toward these sensitive decisions. It does make sense to have a protocol that ensures proper documentation and helps ease the physicians involved in such decisions. Clear documentation in the format of a checklist would ensure consistency and help the entire medical team to be uniformly informed about the end-of-life plan.


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