Abstract:Adjusting medical care based on futility assessment in patients with chronic illness who survive CRA is often neglected, but crucially relevant step in the optimization of health care system management.
“…8,9 Each decision was also consulted with the on-call intensivist at the specialist ECMO centre highlighting the critical value of a specialist opinion and holistic approach in clinical decision making especially with regard to unique, controversial and highly specialist services such as ECMO. [17][18][19] Limitations This study had several limitations. Firstly, an evaluation of six years of experience in a single retrospective observational study fails to appreciate change of practice as a result of technological developments, increased experience of the retrieving team and advancement of knowledge about aetiology and management of severe refractory ARDS, such as introduction of protective ventilation and prone positioning.…”
Provision of extracorporeal membrane oxygenation as part of support escalation in severe refractory acute respiratory failure in England is provided by five specialist centres that operate within a well-defined quality and safety framework. We conducted a qualitative study of the extracorporeal membrane oxygenation retrieval service provided by one of the five centres. We analysed 176 consecutive debrief reports written between October 2013 and April 2018 by the consultant. Main identified issues were short delays in retrieval predominantly due to insufficient communication or equipment failure. All issues were addressed in subsequent practice. Our results suggest a need for improved communication between the referring intensive care unit and retrieving team. Our findings highlight the value of regular reflection-based evaluation to ensure continued provision of safe and efficient service.
“…8,9 Each decision was also consulted with the on-call intensivist at the specialist ECMO centre highlighting the critical value of a specialist opinion and holistic approach in clinical decision making especially with regard to unique, controversial and highly specialist services such as ECMO. [17][18][19] Limitations This study had several limitations. Firstly, an evaluation of six years of experience in a single retrospective observational study fails to appreciate change of practice as a result of technological developments, increased experience of the retrieving team and advancement of knowledge about aetiology and management of severe refractory ARDS, such as introduction of protective ventilation and prone positioning.…”
Provision of extracorporeal membrane oxygenation as part of support escalation in severe refractory acute respiratory failure in England is provided by five specialist centres that operate within a well-defined quality and safety framework. We conducted a qualitative study of the extracorporeal membrane oxygenation retrieval service provided by one of the five centres. We analysed 176 consecutive debrief reports written between October 2013 and April 2018 by the consultant. Main identified issues were short delays in retrieval predominantly due to insufficient communication or equipment failure. All issues were addressed in subsequent practice. Our results suggest a need for improved communication between the referring intensive care unit and retrieving team. Our findings highlight the value of regular reflection-based evaluation to ensure continued provision of safe and efficient service.
“…1). 24,26,27,29,34,35,39,42,45,47,48 and in European countries such as Sweden, 4,28,31,49 and England. 40,41,44 Study sample sizes ranged from 29 to 96,499 per trial.…”
“…A recent study on patients in the ICU found that more than 10% of patients received treatment perceived as futile by their treating clinicians [47]. In the context of EOL care, medical futility often refers to interventions that might prolong life, but in which the chance of a benefit for the patient is extremely small and by far outweighed by the potential risks, harms and suffering [47][48][49]. Such situations are challenging for clinicians and the clinical team, who know the potential burden and distress resulting from a futile intervention for patients and relatives [50,51].…”
With the progress in healthcare over recent decades and a growing life expectancy, discussions and decisions regarding end-of-life issues have become increasingly important. Especially in intensive care and emergency medicine there is a growing need of decision making for optimised end-of-life care. Prolonging life and preventing death is considered to be the highest principle of healthcare professionals; however, in some cases alleviation of suffering is a more appropriate goal. This article discusses communication challenges in end-of-life decision making and outlines strategies from an area of growing interest and research.
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