December 2005
Volume 4, Number 6

 

 

This Issue’s Focus:

End-of-Life Care in the ICU



Communication is key to improving end-of-life care in the intensive care unit. It is important that healthcare professionals exhibit compassion and gentleness while treating patients at the end of life and extend the same quality care to patients’ loved ones. Articles in this issue focus on the latest approaches and attitudes to end-of-life care.



 
 
Features

  

Improving Family Conferences About End-of-Life Care in the ICU

Good communication with loved ones concerning end-of-life decisions can help alleviate stress and grief, and several studies have been published that may help maximize the effectiveness of the family conference. Learn techniques and approaches that may help the multiprofessional team improve family conferences about end-of-life care.ting frustration and suffering.


Pediatric End of Life: Special Needs for Special Children

The end of a child’s life is unnatural and treating patients at a young age can magnify emotions and challenges related to care. Discover the special needs of pediatric patients and their families that need to be considered when dealing with end-of-life decisions and why these patients are different.


Comparing European and American End-of-Life Attitudes

Legal cases related to end of life have brought major cultural shifts related to the role of medical professionals and families, but a close look at these cases reveal that differences still exist among countries. Read about critical care in Europe and how attitudes compare with approaches in the United States.


Getting Our ICU Language Straight

The manner in which healthcare professionals address end-of-life issues and the language they use in explaining procedures, choices and options can make a significant impact on the family. Learn about changes the ICU staff can make in the way they talk about end of life and how to relate better to patients and families.

 

Articles

SCCM Listens and Learns: Evaluating the Continuing Educational Needs of the Profession

Brochures Help Loved Ones Cope with Tough Decisions

Disaster Management Course Addresses Today’s Realities

Plan Now to Celebrate National Critical Care Awareness and Recognition Month in May 2006

Shepherding Critical Care Through AMA’s House of Delegates

Winner of ACCM Distinguished Investigator Award Announced

Departments


Message from the President: The End of a Life: Nothing is More Intensely Personal



Message from the CEO: Annual Report to Members, Donors and Supporters

Capitol Corner: Washington Update

 Career Central


 Section and Chapter News


 Welcome New Members

December 2005
- December 2005
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