How to improve services for dying patients in critical care: adapting protocols.
This article outlines a project to improve end of life care for those who are critically ill, by adapting and implementing a national protocol specially developed for the intensive care unit. The rollout of the pathway is discussed along with an audit which found the trajectory towards death following withdrawal of treatment can be swift. The extent of documentation is, therefore, an important consideration to ensure nurses can balance patients' needs with those of grieving relatives while ensuring bereavement care is accurately documented.
Morgan
Jane
J
Colchester Hospital University Foundation Trust.
D001293:Attitude to Death; D003422:Critical Care / Q000592:standards*; D004282:Documentation; D005246:Feedback; D006801:Humans; D007362:Intensive Care Units / Q000592:standards; D009732:Nursing Care / Q000592:standards*; D013727:Terminal Care / Q000592:standards*