Ontology highlight
ABSTRACT: Objective
To understand intensivist perceptions of the appropriateness of time-limited trials (TLTs)-a strategy to align life-sustaining care with patient goals and values in the midst of clinical uncertainty.Design
We conducted a mixed-methods sequential explanatory study of intensive care unit (ICU) intensivists regarding appropriateness of utilising TLTs in three vignettes centred on invasive mechanical ventilation (IMV); continuous renal replacement therapy (CRRT); and heated high-flow nasal cannula (HHFNC). Semistructured interviews were conducted using the Tailored Implementation of Chronic Diseases framework. Data were analysed using thematic and matrix analysis.Setting
Two academic medical centres in the USA participated in the randomised surveys and one centre participated in the semistructured interviews.Participants
Pulmonary and critical care intensivists and fellows.Primary and secondary outcomes
To understand intensivists perceptions of the appropriateness in using TLTs.Results
Of 115 physicians surveyed, 71 initiated the survey and 44 completed the entire survey with a response rate of 38% (N=44/115) and a completion rate of 62% (N=44/71). While 35% (N=23/66) of intensivists had never heard of a TLT, of the intensivists who had heard of a TLT, 77% (N=33/43) had participated in one. In response to the vignettes, appropriateness of using a TLT varied (IMV: 74% (N=46/62); CRRT 78% (N=49/63); HHFNC 92% (N=56/61) as did the durations of the TLT. Semistructured interviews with 11 intensivists revealed having clarity about patient goals and clinical endpoints facilitated successful TLTs while lack of an evidenced-based framework was a barrier.Conclusion
More than half of the physicians who responded had conducted or participated in a TLT. To increase the use of TLTs in the ICU, clinicians desire a more robust, evidence-based framework on how to conduct TLTs.
SUBMITTER: Viglianti EM
PROVIDER: S-EPMC8981404 | biostudies-literature | 2022 Apr
REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature
Viglianti Elizabeth M EM Ervin Jennifer N JN Newton Chad A CA Kruser Jacqueline M JM Iwashyna Theodore J TJ Valley Thomas S TS
BMJ open 20220404 4
<h4>Objective</h4>To understand intensivist perceptions of the appropriateness of time-limited trials (TLTs)-a strategy to align life-sustaining care with patient goals and values in the midst of clinical uncertainty.<h4>Design</h4>We conducted a mixed-methods sequential explanatory study of intensive care unit (ICU) intensivists regarding appropriateness of utilising TLTs in three vignettes centred on invasive mechanical ventilation (IMV); continuous renal replacement therapy (CRRT); and heated ...[more]