1. [Definitions, decision-making and documentation in end of life situations in the intensive care unit]
- Author
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Barbara, Friesenecker, Sonja, Fruhwald, Walter, Hasibeder, Christoph, Hörmann, Maria Luise, Hoffmann, Claus G, Krenn, Andrea, Lenhart-Orator, Rudolf, Likar, Thomas, Pernerstorfer, Bettina, Pfausler, Christian, Roden, Eva, Schaden, A, Valentin, Jürgen, Wallner, Günther, Weber, Michael, Zink, and Michael, Peintinger
- Subjects
Consent Forms ,Physician-Patient Relations ,Terminal Care ,Critical Care ,Withholding Treatment ,Germany ,Terminology as Topic ,Decision Making ,Humans ,Documentation ,Resuscitation Orders - Abstract
The present work provides assistance for physicians concerning decision making in clinical borderline situations in the ICU. Based on a structured checklist the two fundamental aspects of any medical decision, the medical indication and the patient's preference are queried in a systematic way. Four possible steps of withholding and/or withdrawing therapy are discussed. Finally, recommendations regarding appropriate documentation of end of life decisions are provided.
- Published
- 2013