[Conversations about end-of-life in the intensive care unit]

End-of-life decisions are frequently necessary in intensive care units. These decisions are made more difficult through rapidly changing disease dynamics, lack of continuity of care, differing expectations, as well as a lack of support. In these situations, structured communication concepts can help families and staff, e. g. through structured family conferences, the concept of family as the expert for the patient's preferences, and empathetic reactions to emotions. The article discusses concrete strategies how to communicate about end-of-life care.