How should we relate to "unreasonable" families in the ICU?
www.pulmccm.org
Most families have never suffered through a loved one experiencing prolonged critical illness and respiratory failure (defined as ventilator dependence for weeks, usually with a tracheostomy). But each year, more do. An estimated 400,000 people currently live with chronic critical illness in long-term acute care hospitals (LTACHs) and other facilities -- a population that has more than tripled in the past 15 years in one of the fastest-growing segments in health care. Sadly, most LTACH patients never leave alive, except to return to traditional hospitals for more intensive care. About half die within a year, and many of those who survive remain permanently dependent on a ventilator. Only a fraction ever walk again, and even fewer regain functional independence. For the vast majority of families,
How should we relate to "unreasonable" families in the ICU?
How should we relate to "unreasonable…
How should we relate to "unreasonable" families in the ICU?
Most families have never suffered through a loved one experiencing prolonged critical illness and respiratory failure (defined as ventilator dependence for weeks, usually with a tracheostomy). But each year, more do. An estimated 400,000 people currently live with chronic critical illness in long-term acute care hospitals (LTACHs) and other facilities -- a population that has more than tripled in the past 15 years in one of the fastest-growing segments in health care. Sadly, most LTACH patients never leave alive, except to return to traditional hospitals for more intensive care. About half die within a year, and many of those who survive remain permanently dependent on a ventilator. Only a fraction ever walk again, and even fewer regain functional independence. For the vast majority of families,