Foregoing life-sustaining treatment in the ICU

A review of practices around the world

The lecture duration is 27min.

0.5 CPD Points, 0.5 CEUs, 0.5 CME credits approval pending.
Accredited by CPDUK, CBRN and Provider Pending.

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Charles Sprung
Professor & Director Emeritus of the General ICU at Hadassah Hebrew University Medical Center in Jerusalem, Israel
Lecture Summary

Medical practices at the end of life differ around the world. In the United States, medicine has moved from a paternalistic model to one that promotes autonomy and self-determination.  In Europe and other regions of the world, patient-physician relationships are still somewhat paternalistic. Different cultures and countries deal in diverse ways with the ethical dilemmas arising as a consequence of the wider availability of life-sustaining therapies. In the past patients died in intensive care units (ICUs) despite ongoing aggressive therapy. Over the years, observational studies documenting physician behavior have noted changes in the modes of patient deaths and an earlier limitations of life-sustaining treatments. This lecture will review the current global practices.

Target Audience

Critical Care Doctors
Critical Care Nurses

Learning Objectives:

Upon completion of this activity, you should be able to:

  • Distinguish the different types of end of life practices
  • Describe the importance of culture/region and religion on end of life practices
  • Recognize the importance of communication, shared decision making and empathy in end of life practices

None.