End of Life Care in the ICU

The Oxford Specialist Handbooks series provides readers with clear, concise information on all that is needed to successfully train in the medical sub-specialties. Each book gives an overview of clearly defined procedures, skills, guidelines, and technologies and provides practical tips and case studies to supplement hands-on experience. Where appropriate, each book complements the revised curriculum as developed by the Specialist Advisory Committees. As palliative medicine does not have the resources to care for all patients with malignant and non-malignant chronic disease, government guidelines have pushed for its inclusion on the curriculum of most medical and surgical specialties. All specialties are being encouraged to become actively engaged in managing end of life care for their own patients. End of life care in the ICU presents its own unique challenges, and this book highlights real clinical issues which need to be addressed if quality palliative care within ICUs is to be consistently delivered. It details strategies and evidence-based advice on the nature of effective palliative care in the ICU setting, dealing with issues such as diagnosing the dying, communicating with patients and families, the support of families and carers, multidisciplinary team work, TPN and fluids, dialysis, inotropic support, autonomy, dignity, effective symptom control, practical ethics and the process of decision making, management of dying, and bereavement care. This book is ideal for doctors, nurses, and allied health professionals working in the ICU and palliative care.