International dialogue on end of life: challenges in the UK and USA.
OBJECTIVE
The aim of this paper was to increase international collaboration on end of life care (EoLC) in critical care. Objectives included highlighting key challenges for critical care nurses in EoLC through a transcribed interview between a clinician, an educationalist and a researcher who all hold an EoLC focus.


BACKGROUND
EoLC continues to hold high profile within international health care arenas, including critical care units. Whilst end of life care remains well debated, it still presents many challenges for everyday practitioners. Dialogue with international colleagues and disciplines may provide opportunity for further understanding of this complex and sensitive area.


CONCLUSIONS
A key issues to arise from this venture of shared learning was that futility of treatment is problematic for all. This is further complicated in the USA where the concept of (family) autonomy strongly shapes EoLC decision making.


CONCLUSIONS
This paper demonstrates that there are opportunities for nurses within health care teams which could be addressed through education and professional development initiatives. Furthermore, knowledge from other disciplines can provide a useful lens through which to improve our understanding of EoLC.
Coombs
Maureen
M
Cardiac Intensive Care, Southampton University Hospitals Trust, Southampton, Hampshire, UK. Maureen.coombs@suht.swest.nhs.uk
Long-Sutehall
Tracy
T
Shannon
Sarah
S
D003422:Critical Care; D016638:Critical Illness / Q000451:nursing*; D006801:Humans; D007391:International Cooperation; D024802:Nurse's Role; D009723:Nurse-Patient Relations; D011368:Professional-Family Relations; D013727:Terminal Care; D006113:United Kingdom; D014481:United States