Requests for Potentially Inappropriate Treatments In Intensive Care Units
Publication Date: March 2, 2015
Key Points
Key Points
One of the most ethically controversial issues in intensive care units (ICUs) is how to respond to requests from surrogates to administer life-prolonging interventions when clinicians believe those interventions should not be administered.
One reason these cases are difficult is that they bring into conflict important interests of patients, clinicians, and society.
The multisociety statement on responding to requests for potentially inappropriate treatments in intensive care units provides guidance for clinicians to prevent and manage disputes in patients with advanced critical illness.
One reason these cases are difficult is that they bring into conflict important interests of patients, clinicians, and society.
- Patients have an interest in receiving care consistent with their values and preferences.
- Clinicians have an interest in not being compelled to act against their best understanding of their professional obligations.
- Society has important interests in protecting individual rights, fostering clinician professionalism, and ensuring the fair allocation of medical resources.
The multisociety statement on responding to requests for potentially inappropriate treatments in intensive care units provides guidance for clinicians to prevent and manage disputes in patients with advanced critical illness.
Recommendations
...tutions should implement strategies to...
...potentially inappropriate” should be used, rath...
...ere are two less-common situations for which the...
...medical profession should lead publi...
...commended Approach for Management...
...ble 1. Recommended Practices for Impr...
Management
Managemen...
...able 2. Categories of Disputed Treatments in...
...le 3. Recommended Steps for Resolution o...
...tions to Assist in Illuminating Moral...
...amples of Questions for Public Engagement What...