Imparting the knowledge of impending death to the intensive care patient who is unable to respond.
Silence during death is a communication deficit in the care of dying patients. In the ICU, patients are often unable to communicate, but may still be able to hear. Giving information of impending death to such patients is, therefore, done without their consent. Such information could be beneficial in enabling them to face death. Alternatively, it could cause emotional turmoil. Telling patients they are dying may help relatives to begin the grieving process. Guidelines are proposed to help nurses wishing to impart knowledge of impending death to their patients.
Horton
S
S
Adult Intensive Care Unit, Queen's Medical Centre, University Hospital, Nottingham.
D001293:Attitude to Death; D003142:Communication; D003422:Critical Care / Q000523:psychology*; D006801:Humans; D013727:Terminal Care / Q000523:psychology*; D014342:Truth Disclosure; D014474:Unconsciousness / Q000451:nursing / Q000523:psychology*