Overview

This volume reviews the state of the art in caring for patients dying in the ICU, focusing on both clinical aspects of managing pain and other symptoms, as well as ethical and societal issues that affect the standards of care received. The book also addresses the changing epidemiology of death in this setting related to managed care, practical skills needed to provide the highest quality of care to terminal patients, communicating with patients and families, the mechanics of withdrawing life-supporting therapies, and the essential role of palliative care specialists in the ICU. The book briefly describes unique issues that arise when caring for patients with some of the more common diseases that precipitate death in the ICU. Contributors for the book were chosen because they have experience caring for patients in the ICU and are also conducting current research to find ways of improving care for terminal patients in this setting.

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9780195128819

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This is a ground-breaking collection of essays examining death and dying in the intensive care unit... It is the first book I have seen that makes explicit the parallels between palliative and intensive care, and one of the best examples I have encountered of interdisciplinary collaboration in aid of a common goal between nurses, physicians, oncologists, bio-ethicists and intensivists...I wholeheartedly recommend this book - not only to those with a specific intensive care interest, but to anyone who wishes to understand and improve the care of dying people in hospital environments. Progress in Palliative Care

Articulated is a template for treating patients who do not recover from critical illness or injury. Relief of psychosocial suffering in patients and family is emphasized. Finally, practical and specific advice is given on the means to fulfill the goals of palliative care in the ICU. Due to the severity and complexity of illness in the ICU, death is common and families rate communication with healthcare providers as one of the most important skills for these individuals. This book provides background and tools which allow the intensivist to come to grips with the mortality of patients in the ICU setting. -- Doody's The book will be a valuable reference for anyone who cares for critally ill patients, including physicians, nurses, respiratory therapists, patoral care providers, and students, and would be a useful addition to any ICU reference library. --New England Journal of Medicine2002 The text contains a good balance of clinical information that addresses commonly confronted problems facing the practitioner, as well as providing unique information in specialty areas such as oncology, cardiology, the care of dying children, and the elderly. --American College of Chest PhysiciansOctober 2001 ...represents the definitive text on end-of-life care in the intensive care unit (ICU)...a refreshijng attempt to redefine death in the ICU and will serve as a comprehensive resource for health care professionals caring for critically ill patients. --Respiratory Care May 2002

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