Palliative Care Models in Intensive Care Units and Nurses' Roles in the Models

Koh, Chin-Kang

Journal of Korean Critical Care Nursing 2014;7(1):40-46.
Published online June 30, 2014.

중환자실 완화의료 모델과 간호사의 역할

고진강

서울대학교 간호대학, 서울대학교 간호과학연구소

Palliative Care Models in Intensive Care Units and Nurses' Roles in the Models

Chin-Kang Koh

College of Nusing, Seoul National University

Abstract

Purpose
In Korea, about 30,000 people die in intensive care units annually. However, their quality of life at the end-of-life seems very low. The purpose of this study was to describe palliative care models that could be applied in intensive care units and examine nurses' roles in the models.
Methods
A conventional literature review was performed focusing on palliative care in intensive care units and nursing roles in the approaches identified.
Results
There are two different models regarding the implementation of palliative care approaches in the intensive care unit. Those are the consultative model and the integrative model. Each model has advantages and disadvantages. Therefore, an appropriate model must be chosen according to the setting. Nurses' roles could vary depending on the setting.
Conclusion
Palliative care in the intensive care unit is important to improve patients' quality of life. Moreover, nursing roles are important in providing comprehensive palliative care in intensive care units.

Key Words: Intensive care units, Palliative care, End of life care, Critical care nurses