Rethinking code blue in long-term care.
Losing a loved one is often emotional and painful for families, and most aspects of death and dying are usually difficult for them to discuss. Our traditional view of death (as a failure) is being reassessed. Many residents' conditions place them at high risk for death, or they may have conditions considered terminal. Numerous facilities are rethinking their approach to Code Blue, and this is an ideal time to analyze the entire process, especially since death is a frequent occurrence in long-term care facilities. Approximately 10% of residents admitted under the Medicare benefit die, or are hospitalized and subsequently die, within 30 days of admission. In addition to simplifying rescue techniques, a movement is afoot to allow family members into scenes previously considered sacrosanct by medical care providers.
Wick
Jeannette Y
JY
National Cancer Institute, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, Maryland, USA.
D016887:Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation; D006801:Humans; D008134:Long-Term Care; D016414:Resuscitation Orders