Rationale for integration of palliative care in the medical intensive care: A narrative literature review

Table 1 Steps to choose an appropriate model to provide palliative care in critical care setup

Assess the capacity of staff, availability of resources and level of skills and knowledge among the clinicians

Assess the understanding of ICU clinicians regarding the need for palliative care in ICU and their receptivity to the same

Assess the interest level of ICU clinicians to strengthen their knowledge and skills related to palliative care

Form a multidisciplinary committee including a critical care specialist, palliative care physician, hospital administrator, nursing staff, psychologist and a social worker to decide upon the best model for providing palliative care in the ICU of their institute.

Try to use the ‘mixed model’ for providing palliative care in ICU as it incorporates advantages of both the integration and consultation model

ICU: Intensive care unit.