Table 4 Chart documentation of key elements of the decision-making process for TLD. One patient may have several documented aspects
Documented key elements of decision-making process for TDL N= | |
|---|---|
Prognostic statements | 91 |
Family meetings | 89 |
Advanced directives | 0 |
Notifications of patient preferences regarding withholding or withdrawing of life-sustaining treatment based on communication with family | 7 |
Notification of patient’s preferences regarding organ donation (only asked for in cases progressing towards brain death). Brain death occurred in 26 patients. | 24 |
Multi-disciplinary discussions prior to decision | 92 |
Documented rationale for TLD (treatment-limiting decisions) | 100 |
Request by family to withhold/withdraw when physician recommended continued treatment | 2 |
Request by family for continued treatment when physician recommended to WH/WD | 2 |
Major conflict between treatment team and families regarding WH/WD | 0 |
Involvement of clinical ethics committee (CEC) | 0 |
Involvement of palliative care consult | 0 |