Palliative care shortens ICU, hospital stays, review shows
Yet another prior review of the literature reported that interventions to promote family meetings, use empathetic communication skills, and employ palliative care consultations improved family satisfaction and reduced ICU length of stay and the adverse effects of family bereavement (Curr. Opin. Crit. Care 2009;15:569-77).
Dr. Aslakson reported having no financial disclosures.
Dr. Jennifer Cox, FCCP, comments: Dr. Aslakson and colleagues’ systematic review adds to the body of literature that demonstrates no mortality increase when palliative care measures are initiated in the ICU. Shorter lengths of stay both in the ICU and hospital were other positive outcomes noted without a significant change in patient or family satisfaction.
These findings were independent of whether an integrative or consultative approach to palliative care was undertaken. This should encourage physicians to examine their practice setting and determine which approach meets the needs of their ICU and begin to utilize palliative care earlier and more aggressively without fear of increasing mortality.
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