Keywords

Critically ill patients, End-of-life care, Meeting the needs of critically ill patients, Needs of family members, Palliative care

 

Authors

  1. Rubio, Valerie BSN
  2. Voss, Kimberly BSN

Abstract

As patients and families make the critical decision to end their life, the question becomes: What are we as nurses doing to focus on the needs of the patient and family? There is a lack of documentation when it comes to families (or the patient) making a decision for the withdrawal of life support, which may lead to a breakdown in communication between the family and medical professionals. Improving the documentation process can improve the nurse-patient relationship and communication as well as help put the family and patients at ease with their decision.