End-of-life (EOL) care has always been a special interest of mine. I know the frustrations that often arise with EOL care in a critical care unit – for example, when a patient can no longer make decisions for himself and his family is unsure of his wishes, or when family members disagree. However, I also know how satisfying it can be when a patient’s death is a positive experience for all involved. Sometimes providing end-of-life care is just as rewarding as seeing a patient ‘turn the corner’ and get better. I imagine that some nurses find that EOL care is even more rewarding. 

When I read Ethics in Critical Care: Twenty Years Since Cruzan and the Patient Self-Determination Act: Opportunities for Improving Care at the End of Life in Critical Care Settings, I was reminded that while challenges continue, we actually have come pretty far with regards to advance care planning (ACP) and EOL care. Resources such as the Center for Practical Bioethics’ Caring Conversations, Respecting Your Choices, and Five Wishes have emerged to help patients and families discuss their wishes with one another. Other highlights of progress include The Joint Commission standards on palliative care, advance care planning, and pain management; National Healthcare Decisions Day (April 16); palliative care consultation services at large numbers of hospitals; and increased numbers of people with advanced directives. I encourage you to read this article in its entirety to see the extensive list of examples provided by the authors. 

What issues remain? 

• Advance care planning – increasing the number of patients with advance directives; living wills & power of attorney issues
• Caring for patients who are in a minimally conscious state vs. persistent vegetative state
• Providing hydration and nutrition
• Communicating a patient's wishes or plan of care during transfer from one care setting to another (for example, from nursing home to hospital)

Take some time to read this article (it’s free to read online while on our Recommended Reading list!). On page 103 (page 5 of the pdf), you’ll find 'Ten Things Critical Care Nurses Can Do To Improve Advance Care Planning.' 

Reference: 

Rushton, C., Kaylor, B., & Christopher, M. (2012). Ethics in Critical Care:Twenty Years Since Cruzan and the Patient Self-Determination Act: Opportunities for Improving Care at the End of Life in Critical Care Settings. AACN Advanced Critical Care, 23(1).