Uncertainty in end-of-life care and shared decision making

Assessing the appropriateness of continuing life support is a difficult task for intensive care unit staff. Part of this difficulty relates to prognostic uncertainty and the varying reliability of clinical decisions. Uncertainty about prognosis is quickly recognised by patients and families, and can be a source of mistrust and potential conflict. We discuss the reasons for uncertainty and outline key measures to reduce and manage such uncertainty. Practical certainty, where the clinicians are as certain as they can be, with both prognostication and knowledge of patient wishes, may be an appropriate concept for physicians engaged in end-of-life decisions. It involves accurate prognostication, informed surrogates, advance care planning, time to assess response, and the collective wisdom of experienced clinicians. The family conference should develop an agreed plan through shared decision making. The collective wisdom of experienced health care workers with good communication skills and informed patient advocates increases the likelihood of achieving practical certainty and the best decisions. However, greater time and effort seems to be required to improve end-of-life care in the ICU.