title: Integrating palliative care in the intensive care unit.
abstract: The admission of cancer patients into intensive care units (ICUs) is on the rise. These patients are at high risk for physical and psychosocial suffering. Patients and their families often face difficult end-of-life decisions that highlight the importance of effective and empathetic communication. Palliative care teams are uniquely equipped to help care for cancer patients who are admitted to ICUs. When utilized in the ICU, palliative care has the potential to improve a patient's symptoms, enhance the communication between care teams and families, and improve family-centered decision making. Within the context of this article, we will discuss how palliative care can be integrated into the care of ICU patients and how to enhance family-centered communication; we will also highlight the care of ICU patients at the end of life.
authors: Palliative Care Service, Department of Medicine, Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, USA. strand.jacob@mayo.edu
authors: Jacob J
authors: JJ
authors: Strand
authors: J Andrew
authors: JA
authors: Billings
mesh_terms: D000328:Adult; D003142:Communication; D005190:Family; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D007362:Intensive Care Units; D010166:Palliative Care; D012017:Referral and Consultation; D013727:Terminal Care; D015300:Ventilator Weaning