American journal of critical care : an official publication, American Association of Critical-Care Nurses
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Multicenter Study
Transitioning to Palliative Care in an Italian Cardiac Intensive Care Unit Network.
Recent data indicate that end-of-life management for patients affected by acute decompensated heart failure in cardiac intensive care units is aggressive, with late or no engagement of palliative care teams. ⋯ Therapy-limiting practices, including ICD deactivation, are not routine in the Italian centers participating in this study. The results emphasize the importance of integrating palliative care as a simultaneous process with intensive care to address the unmet needs of these patients and their families.
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Older adults (≥age 65) admitted to an intensive care unit (ICU) are profoundly inactive during hospitalization. Older ICU survivors often experience life-changing symptoms, including cognitive dysfunction, physical impairment, and/or psychological distress, which are components of post-intensive care syndrome (PICS). ⋯ Post-ICU inactivity may identify older ICU survivors who may be at risk for PICS and may guide future research interventions to mitigate symptom burden.