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Withdrawal of Life Support Therapy: Processes and Patterns of Death In the Intensive Care Unit

Withdrawal of life support therapy involves controlled removal of life support modalities including artificial respiration and circulation with intent to provide a comfortable death. Withdrawal of life support therapy is necessary prior to procedures such as organ donation after cardio-circulatory death, but remains poorly explored in current literature. To enhance the current evidence, we conducted a thorough structured review, an observational study, and a qualitative comparison of components comprising withdrawal of life support therapy in both donor and non-donor patient groups. At all stages, we considered how results impacted donation after cardio-circulatory death. Withdrawal of life support therapy processes vary between countries, hospitals, practitioners, and patients. Variability in practice impacts care and outcomes for both donor and non-donor patients. Improved definitions and consensus about the process of withdrawal of life support therapy may improve patient care, success of organ donation after cardio-circulatory death, and uptake of donation protocols.

Identiferoai:union.ndltd.org:LACETR/oai:collectionscanada.gc.ca:OOU.#10393/30720
Date31 March 2014
Creatorsvan Beinum, Amanda
Source SetsLibrary and Archives Canada ETDs Repository / Centre d'archives des thèses électroniques de Bibliothèque et Archives Canada
LanguageEnglish
Detected LanguageEnglish
TypeThèse / Thesis

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