Palliative Care in the Intensive Care Unit: Not Just End-of-life Care

Abstract

Initially, palliative care in the intensive care unit (ICU) was designed to improve hospice care. Today it has emerged as a core component of ICU care. ICU palliative care should follow the ethical principles of autonomy, beneficence, nonmaleficence, justice and fidelity. To integrate primary palliative care and professional palliative care into ICU care management, there are different modes: integrative, consultative, and a combined approach. All ICU patients should receive palliative care which includes symptom management and shared decision-making. Further research is needed to explore how to provide the best palliative care for ICU patients and their families.