Society of Critical Care Medicine
View all recommendations from this societyReleased January 29, 2021
Don’t provide care that is discordant with the patient’s goals and values.
The condition of ICU patients is often uncertain and dynamic, which generates stress for ICU families and the care staff. Accordingly, eliciting and documenting desired care preferences helps ensure the provision of goal-concordant care. Patients, families and providers may participate as partners in shared decision-making to ensure that goals and values align with care that is offered and provided.
These items are provided solely for informational purposes and are not intended as a substitute for consultation with a medical professional. Patients with any specific questions about the items on this list or their individual situation should consult their physician.
How The List Was Created
A diversified, multiprofessional task force of 17 critical care quality and clinical experts was formed with an aim to identify five new Choosing Wisely for Critical Care recommendations. The task force included practicing clinicians representing community, military and academic centers. A priori three domains were deemed important: 1) patient safety and quality of care; 2) strength of evidence to support the recommendation; and 3) potential improvement in patient outcomes. Using a modified Delphi consensus building methodology and a quantitative survey analysis, eight novel recommendations were identified and deemed representative of wasteful critical care practices. Following a quantitative survey of the SCCM membership and review by the SCCM Council, the five highest ranked recommendations established SCCM’s next five Choosing Wisely for critical care were approved. The five recommendations address invasive devices, proactive liberation from mechanical ventilation, antibiotic stewardship, early mobilization, and providing goal-concordant care.
Sources
Deptola, AZ & Riggs, J. (2019). In patient Goals-of-Care conversations reduce ICU transfers in high risk patients. American Journal of Hospital Palliative Care; 36(7): 583-586.
