Researchers from the Foundation University of Health Sciences of Bogota (Colombia), with researchers from the Universities of Alicante and Jaen, belonging to the Research Group “Psychosocial and Transcultural Aspects of Health and Disease” and the Mind, Brain and Behavior Research Center of the University of Granada, have conducted a review to identify the primary interprofessional interventions and factors that improve the care of patients in end-of-life situation in the Intensive Care Unit (ICU). To this end, an integrative review was conducted. It included studies published between 2010 and 2021; finally, 30 relevant papers were analyzed.
The results were organized around two main categories:
- Interprofessional interventions to improve end-of-life care.
- Factors influencing such care within the ICU.
It is noteworthy that most of the interventions were carried out multidisciplinary and involved nursing, medical and social work staff. These interventions focused on physical and emotional symptom management, health care staff and families training, and early palliative care consultation. It was observed that involving family members in decision-making improved the quality of care, reduced ICU stay and alleviated emotional stress for those close to the patient.
Several barriers were identified regarding the factors influencing care, such as the lack of training in palliative care among health professionals. Palliative care education is an integral part of critical care training. In addition, family involvement in decisions about invasive or non-resuscitative treatment is essential to ensure that patients receive care according to their wishes. Consequently, unnecessary prolongation of suffering can be avoided. Clear and early communication with patients and their families is associated with greater autonomy and satisfaction.
Reference:
Hernández-Zambrano, S. M., Carrillo-Algarra, A. J., Manotas-Solano, O. E., Ibáñez-Gamboa, S. E., Mejia-Mendez, L. M., Martínez-Montoya, O. H., Fernández-Alcántara, M., & Hueso-Montoro, C. (2024). Interprofessional interventions and factors that improve end-of-life care in intensive care units: An integratory review. Enfermeria intensiva, S2529-9840(23)00069-1. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.enfie.2023.08.009