BMJ 2018;363:k4135, 19 October 2018 doi: https://doi.org/10.1136/bmj.k4135
- Intensive care can be associated with substantial physical and psychosocial burdens for patients and may have adverse psychological consequences for families. Potential harms of intensive care are commonly overlooked in times of crisis when timely decisions need to be made about escalation of care. Frail, elderly patients have poorer outcomes after a stay in an intensive care unit (ICU) and are rarely consulted about their wishes for life sustaining treatments.
- The decision to admit a patient to the ICU should include assessment of whether the likely benefits outweigh the risks. Where possible, patients and their families should be involved in the decision making process. Earlier information about intensive care practices and outcomes may help patients make informed choices about their future care.
