Adaptation of a Palliative Care Approach in the Context of Intensive Care: A Systematic Literature Review

• Background Palliative care is assumed to be an integral part of care in Intensive Care Units (ICU), yet, research still indicates lack knowledge about how to adapt, integrate and adopt palliative care in curative focused contexts such as in intensive care. Aim To identify factors influencing the integration of a palliative care approach in the context of ICU. Method A systematic review based on quantitative and qualitative studies using a thematic synthesis of the articles was performed. The following search term were used: Implementation, palliative care and ICU. In total 1843 articles were screened, and 25 articles were eligible for this review. Result: The findings show that the influencing factors for integrating a palliative care approach are multifaceted. Themes were identified; facilitators and barriers for implementation and adaptation on organizational level (facilitating policies and environmental support, care pathways, prognostication , multidisciplinary team, training and education) and interpersonal level (communication conflict, emotional and spiritual support, person-centred care and patient and family involvement). Conclusion To adopt a palliative care approach into the ICU setting, the integration process requires adaption of organizational support and personal beliefs and attitudes within the entire multi-professional team including the manager as well as patient and family.

Subject headings

MEDICIN OCH HÄLSOVETENSKAP  -- Hälsovetenskap -- Omvårdnad (hsv//swe)

MEDICAL AND HEALTH SCIENCES  -- Health Sciences -- Nursing (hsv//eng)

MEDICIN OCH HÄLSOVETENSKAP  -- Annan medicin och hälsovetenskap -- Övrig annan medicin och hälsovetenskap (hsv//swe)

MEDICAL AND HEALTH SCIENCES  -- Other Medical and Health Sciences -- Other Medical and Health Sciences not elsewhere specified (hsv//eng)

MEDICIN OCH HÄLSOVETENSKAP  -- Hälsovetenskap (hsv//swe)

MEDICAL AND HEALTH SCIENCES  -- Health Sciences (hsv//eng)

Keyword

Palliative care

Implementation

Intensive care units

Publication and Content Type

vet (subject category)

kon (subject category)