Compassionate Discharges From the PICU

Title

Compassionate Discharges From the PICU

Creator

Kang TI; Hynson J

Publisher

Pediatric Critical Care Medicine

Date

2018

Description

OBJECTIVES: This article focuses on compassionate discharge from an ICU setting for pediatric patients. DATA SOURCES: Not Applicable. STUDY SELECTION: Not Applicable. DATA EXTRACTION: Not Applicable. DATA SYNTHESIS: The rationale for compassionate discharge is described, along with suggestions for assessing feasibility. A patient case highlights the potential benefits of and provides specific examples of steps involved in the process. A general framework for consideration of compassionate discharge, along with a checklist, is provided to highlight the importance of detailed planning and communication. CONCLUSIONS: Although many children die in an ICU setting, some families desire end-of-life care in a nonhospital setting, often at home. For children dependent on technology, there are considerable logistical challenges to overcome, and it may not always be possible. However, with meticulous planning and close collaboration between intensive care staff, palliative care staff, and other community services, compassionate discharge can be done successfully and provide the child and family the opportunity for end-of-life care in the place most meaningful to them.

Rights

Article information provided for research and reference use only. PedPalASCNET does not hold any rights over the resource listed here.

Citation List Month

October 2018 List

Collection

Citation

Kang TI; Hynson J, “Compassionate Discharges From the PICU,” Pediatric Palliative Care Library, accessed March 28, 2024, https://pedpalascnetlibrary.omeka.net/items/show/15568.