Ethics consultations reduce time and procedures in intensive care

Abstract

Question

What effect do ethics consultations have on number of life-sustaining treatments and length of stay in intensive care units?

Study Design

Randomised controlled trial.

Main Results

There were no differences in mortality between groups. In people who died in hospital, ethics consultation significantly reduced the number of days spent in intensive care and hospital (−1.44 days in intensive care, p=0.03; −2.95 days in hospital, p=0.01; −1.7 days on ventilation, p=0.03). Among people surviving to discharge, there were no significant differences in clinical outcomes between groups (p>0.05). At least 80% of people interviewed during follow-up (including patients or family members and healthcare professionals) indicated that ethics consultations were helpful and would recommend them to others.

Authors’ Conclusions

Ethics consultations reduced length of stay in intensive care by people who did not survive to discharge, but did not alter outcomes for survivors. The consultations were well received by healthcare professionals, patients and their family members.