Effect of a quality-improvement intervention on end-of-life care in the intensive care unit: a randomized trial.

ABSTRACT:

Rationale

Because of high mortality, end-of-life care is an important component of intensive care.

Objectives

We evaluated the effectiveness of a quality-improvement intervention to improve intensive care unit (ICU) end-of-life care.

Methods

We conducted a cluster-randomized trial randomizing 12 hospitals. The intervention targeted clinicians with five components: clinician education, local champions, academic detailing, clinician feedback of quality data, and system supports. Outcomes were assessed for patients dying in the ICU or within 30 hours of ICU discharge using surveys and medical record review. Families completed Quality of Dying and Death (QODD) and satisfaction surveys. Nurses completed the QODD. Data were collected during baseline and follow-up at each ho

SUBMITTER: Curtis JR 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC3056230 | biostudies-literature | 2011 Feb

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature