Integration of Palliative Care Services in the Intensive Care Unit: A Roadmap for Overcoming Barriers

Abstract

Clinicians working in the intensive care unit (ICU) confront death and dying daily. ICU care can be inconsistent with a patient's values, preferences, and previously expressed goals of care. Current evidence promotes the integration of palliative care services within the ICU setting. Palliative care bridges the gap between comfort and cure, and these services are growing in the United States. This article discusses the benefits and barriers to integration of ICU and palliative care services, and a stepwise approach to implementation of palliative care services. Integration of palliative care services into ICU workflow is increasingly seen as essential to providing high-quality, comprehensive critical care.

Keywords: End-of-life care; ICU integration; Palliative care; Process bundle; Process implementation.