The Process Used by Surrogate Decision Makers to Withhold and Withdraw Life-Sustaining Measures in an Intensive Care Environment

Surrogate decision makers may be poorly prepared to give informed consent for genomics research for their loved ones in intensive care. A review of the challenges and strategies associated with obtaining surrogates’ consent for genomics research in intensive care patients revealed that few well-controlled studies have been done on this topic. Yet, a major theme in the literature is the role of health care professionals in guiding surrogates through the informed consent process rather than simply witnessing a signature. Informed consent requires explicit strategies to approach potential surrogates effectively, educate them, and ensure that informed consent has been attained.

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Advance Care Planning. Does It Benefit Surrogate Decision Makers in the Intensive Care Unit?

Annals of the American Thoracic Society ◽

10.1513/annalsats.201508-488ed ◽

2015 ◽

Vol 12 (10) ◽

pp. 1432-1433 ◽

Cited By ~ 4

Author(s):

Donald R. Sullivan ◽

Christopher G. Slatore

Keyword(s):

Intensive Care Unit ◽

Intensive Care ◽

Advance Care Planning ◽

Decision Makers ◽

Care Planning ◽

Surrogate Decision Makers ◽

Advance Care ◽

Surrogate Decision

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A Randomized Trial of Two Methods to Disclose Prognosis to Surrogate Decision Makers in Intensive Care Units

American Journal of Respiratory and Critical Care Medicine ◽

10.1164/rccm.201002-0262oc ◽

2010 ◽

Vol 182 (7) ◽

pp. 905-909 ◽

Cited By ~ 58

Author(s):

Susan J. Lee Char ◽

Leah R. Evans ◽

Grace L. Malvar ◽

Douglas B. White

Keyword(s):

Intensive Care ◽

Randomized Trial ◽

Intensive Care Units ◽

Decision Makers ◽

Surrogate Decision Makers ◽

Surrogate Decision

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A prospective study of primary surrogate decision makers’ knowledge of intensive care

Yearbook of Critical Care Medicine ◽

10.1016/s0734-3299(08)79003-8 ◽

2009 ◽

Vol 2009 ◽

pp. 262-264

Author(s):

O. Okorie ◽

C. Bekes

Keyword(s):

Intensive Care ◽

Prospective Study ◽

Decision Makers ◽

Surrogate Decision Makers ◽

Surrogate Decision ◽

A Prospective Study

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Ethical decision making in withdrawing and withholding treatment

10.1093/med/9780199600830.003.0387 ◽

2016 ◽

Author(s):

Margaret Isaac ◽

Jared Randall Curtis

Keyword(s):

Intensive Care ◽

Ethical Decision Making ◽

Care Physician ◽

Decision Makers ◽

Decision Control ◽

Essential Components ◽

The Usa ◽

Surrogate Decision Makers ◽

Potential Risks ◽

Surrogate Decision

Many patients in the USA and across the world die after having received care in an intensive care unit (ICU). Allocating resources equitably and honouring the wishes of patients and their families are essential components of intensive care. Physician and patient preferences regarding end-of-life care and regarding decision control vary by individual, region, and country, shaped and influenced by a variety of factors including cultural and religious beliefs. Surrogate decision-makers are widely called upon to perform a difficult task—to help make decisions when patients lack capacity or the ability to communicate their preferences. Communication between clinicians and families in the ICU can be enhanced by using a variety of techniques. Advance directives can help guide surrogate decision-makers and physicians. Additionally, discussions of cardiopulmonary resuscitation preferences can be improved by explicit discussions of prognosis, which can help patients and surrogate decision-makers more accurately understand the potential risks and benefits of their decisions.

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