End-of-Life Report Outlines Care Needs for Dying Patients

Critically ill patients within the ICU receive prompt and aggressive life-sustaining interventions. However, for patients in the ICU who are dying, the focus often turns to palliative or comfort care, where pain management is a principal component. A new report developed by the American College of Chest Physicians, American Association of Critical-Care Nurses, and the American Society of Health-System Pharmacists discusses the complex nature of the critically ill patient and the specific care needs of patients dying in the ICU. This report emphasizes a need for a focused approach to pain management in the ICU, effective communication and cultural sensitivity with the patient-family unit, and a coordinated health-care team approach to delivering palliative care. The report is published in the May issue of the journal CHEST.