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.
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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