Related Experiment Video
Updated: May 28, 2026

Observational Study Protocol for Repeated Clinical Examination and Critical Care Ultrasonography Within the Simple Intensive Care Studies
Published on: January 16, 2019
Using the improving palliative care in the intensive care unit (IPAL-ICU) project to promote palliative care
Lyra Sihra1, Mary Harris, Caroline O'Reardon
1The Methodist Hospital, Houston, Texas 77030, USA. lasihra@tmhs.org
Background:
The Improving Palliative Care in the Intensive Care Unit (IPAL-ICU) project is an initiative designed to improve the quality of palliative care in the intensive care unit. One of the problems to be addressed is the underutilization of palliative care.
Measures:
The percentage change in number of palliative care consults in the Medical ICU (MICU) and Surgical ICU (SICU) compared with the same time period the previous year was used as an objective measure to indicate increased utilization of palliative care.
Intervention:
Two hundred seventy-three patients were screened for potential palliative care consultation. After each patient screening, the attending physician was offered the opportunity to consult the palliative care consultation team.
Outcomes:
In comparison with the same time period the previous year, an increase in palliative care consults of 113% in the MICU and of 51% in the SICU was noted during the screening period.
Conclusions/Lessons Learned:
The IPAL-ICU project framework and recommendations can be effectively used to increase the number of palliative care consults in the ICU.
Related Concept Videos
Continuing Care
Patient-centered Care
Nursing Implementation
The five steps to implementing effective nursing care include reassessing the patient, reviewing and revising the existing nursing care plan, organizing the resources and care delivery, anticipating and preventing complications, and implementing nursing interventions.
Planning Nursing Care I
Peripheral Artery Disease III: Interprofessional Care
Interdisciplinary Care: The Health Care Team-II
Physical Therapist
A physical therapist (PT) aims to restore function or prevent additional impairment in a patient following an injury or disease. Massage, heat, cold, water, sonar waves, exercises, and electrical stimulation are some treatments used by PTs to treat...