Advance directives in the trauma intensive care unit: Do they really matter?
Despite advances in the care of the injured patient, 22% of trauma patients admitted to the intensive care unit will die from their injuries. As a majority of these deaths will occur due to withdrawal of care, intensivists should be proficient in their ability to discuss end-of-life care with patients and families. While the use of advance directives to document patients' wishes has increased, their utility is uncertain. We review the effectiveness and obstacles of advance directives.
Departments of Surgery and Neurology, Oregon Health and Science University, Mail Code L611, 3181 SW Sam Jackson Park, Portland, Oregon 97239, USA.
Stephanie
S
Gordy
Eran
E
Klein