Related Experiment Video
Updated: May 23, 2026
07:16
An Educational Video Demonstration of How to Prone a Critically Ill Intubated Patient
Published on: November 30, 2022
[The palliative care team in the intensive care unit]
1Palliativmedizinische Abteilung, Universitätsklinikum Erlangen, Germany. carsten.klein@uk-erlangen.de
Medizinische Klinik, Intensivmedizin Und Notfallmedizin
|April 6, 2012
Summary
Palliative care aims to relieve suffering and enhance quality of life, even when life-prolonging treatments are not feasible. Integrating palliative care teams (PCTs) in intensive care units improves symptom management and patient support.
Area of Science:
- Medical Science
- Clinical Medicine
- Palliative Care Research
Background:
- Palliative care focuses on relieving suffering and improving quality of life.
- Life prolongation and quality of life may appear contradictory but can coexist in clinical practice.
- Intensive care units (ICUs) should provide basic palliative care competencies.
Observation:
- Further medical treatment to prolong life is not always successful, appropriate, or desired by patients.
- Palliative care teams (PCTs) can manage complex cases, offering symptom-oriented therapy.
- PCTs facilitate referrals to hospice or home care for terminally ill patients.
Findings:
- Palliative care consultation is advised when distressing symptoms persist or referral support is needed.
- PCTs assist in discussions regarding withdrawal of life-prolonging treatments.
- Integrating PCTs enhances patient care by addressing both symptom burden and end-of-life planning.
Implications:
- Enhanced palliative care integration in ICUs can improve patient outcomes and family support.
- Symptom management and quality of life are paramount, even when life prolongation is not the primary goal.
- Proactive palliative care planning optimizes care transitions and respects patient autonomy.
Related Concept Videos
01:25Continuing Care
Continuing care describes the variety of health, personal, and social services provided over a prolonged period. The need for continuing care is increasing because people are living longer. Many people do not have families or others to care for them. Continuing care is mainly for patients who are disabled, functionally dependent, or suffering from a terminal disease. It is available within institutional settings or in homes. Examples include nursing centers or facilities, assisted living,...
01:18Interdisciplinary Care: The Health Care Team-II
An interdisciplinary team includes many healthcare professionals working together and utilizing their skills, knowledge, and expertise to provide holistic and quality patient care. Here are a few more healthcare professionals.
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...
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...
01:21Interdisciplinary Care: The Health Care Team-I
An interdisciplinary team includes many healthcare professionals working together and utilizing their skills, knowledge, and expertise to provide holistic and quality patient care.
Physicians
The physician's primary responsibility is to diagnose illness and direct the medical or surgical treatment of the condition. The authority to admit patients to a healthcare agency or institution and practice care within that setting is granted to physicians by the healthcare agency or institution itself.
Physicians
The physician's primary responsibility is to diagnose illness and direct the medical or surgical treatment of the condition. The authority to admit patients to a healthcare agency or institution and practice care within that setting is granted to physicians by the healthcare agency or institution itself.
01:19Restorative Care
Restorative care is provided once a patient has been discharged from a healthcare facility and requires additional services. The additional services include home care, rehabilitation programs, and extended care. Restorative care centers help the patient regain their previous level of functioning or acquire a new level of functioning due to the incapacitating effects of a disease or a disability. It aims to assist patients in enhancing their quality of life by encouraging independence,...
01:28Acute Coronary Syndrome IV: Interprofessional Care
IntroductionThe management of Acute Coronary Syndrome (ACS) aims to minimize myocardial damage, preserve myocardial function, and prevent complications.Initial ManagementInpatient management involves continuous cardiac monitoring, preferably in an ICU, focusing on blood pressure, serum sodium, potassium, and creatinine levels, and urine output. Ongoing pharmacologic management is crucial for stabilizing the patient.Supplemental Oxygen: Administer supplemental oxygen if oxygen saturation is...
01:28Chronic Kidney Disease III: Interprofessional Care
Chronic kidney disease (CKD) requires collaborative and comprehensive management. CKD progresses through stages and can lead to end-stage kidney disease (ESKD) if untreated. Interprofessional collaboration and patient education are crucial, enabling patients to manage their health and improve their quality of life.Diagnostic approach for chronic kidney diseaseThe diagnosis of CKD primarily focuses on the glomerular filtration rate (GFR), which assesses kidney function by measuring how well...