"End-of-Life Care Is as Important as Any Other Lifesaving Task": A Scandinavian Survey Study

Area of Science:

• Critical Care Medicine
• Palliative Care
• Medical Education

Background:

• Intensive care physicians frequently provide end-of-life (EOL) care within intensive care units (ICUs).
• Physician confidence and role perception in EOL care post-life-sustaining therapy withdrawal remain underexplored.
• This study investigates the confidence and self-perceived role of specialized ICU physicians in delivering EOL care.

Purpose of the Study:

• To explore the confidence levels of ICU physicians in performing EOL care.
• To understand the self-perceived role of ICU physicians in EOL care.
• To identify areas for improvement in EOL care training and guidelines within ICUs.

Main Methods:

• A questionnaire was distributed to ICU physicians across Iceland, Sweden, Norway, Finland, and Denmark.
• The survey assessed background information, confidence in EOL care, and self-perceived roles.
• Both quantitative and qualitative data were collected and analyzed separately.

Main Results:

• 178 ICU physicians responded, with 66% reporting high confidence in EOL care.
• Physicians viewed EOL care as a central responsibility, prioritizing patient/family support, communication, and individual needs.
• Key themes included transparent communication, preparation for withdrawal, respecting preferences, and the need for adaptable guidelines and enhanced training.

Conclusions:

• Scandinavian ICU physicians exhibit high confidence in performing EOL care.
• Physicians recognize their distinct role and responsibility in delivering EOL care within the ICU setting.
• The findings underscore the importance of individualized care, communication, and tailored training for EOL practices.