[Treatment and support for adults at the end of life in intensive care. A recommendation by the Ethics Section of DIVI and the German Society for Palliative Medicine. : Part 2: Therapeutic measures and support at the end of life in intensive care].

Abstract

Life in an intensive care unit (ICU) involves the successful use of life-sustaining treatment and patients dying. In intensive care medicine, allowing a patient to die often means discontinuing life-sustaining measures. Together with the severity of the illness, this has a significant impact on the course of the dying process. End of life treatment and support focus on alleviating symptoms. The interprofessional team's task in the ICU is to anticipate, plan and implement palliative measures. A family-centered approach to palliative care requires providing human resources for psychosocial support and spiritual care for those affected. Implementing internal recommendations for action improves the quality of care. Training in the necessary skills to support people at the end of life is an integral component of education and ongoing professional development. This training includes basic knowledge of palliative care as well as specific knowledge about terminating life-sustaining measures.