Fast Fact #343 has been released: Chronic Critical Illness in Adults. Thank you to Amanda Hinrichs DO and Drew Rosielle MD for the new addition to the Fast Fact library.
Keller, Kimberly – Outlook Web App
Many patients in ICU settings or long term acute care hospitals remain dependent on life support for a protracted period of time beyond their initial ICU presentation. This disease state is referred to as “chronic critical illness.”. Palliative care clinicians are often ask to help chronically critically ill patients and their families decide whether to pursue a tracheostomy or withdraw life support in favor of a more natural death. This Fast Fact reviews the definition and clinical outcomes of chronic critical illness and offers pearls for leading complex medical decision for chronically critically ill patients. For more ICU resources for palliative care teams, check out the Resources/tools for your Palliative Care Program link on the PCNOW webpage.
