Creating a Viable Hospital Policy for Discharge of the Terminally Ill, Intubated ICU Patient with Comfort Measures and Removal of Life Support in the Home. Yes, We Can.
Elizabeth L Winders RN CHPN
Palliative Care Consult Nurse
York Hospital, Wellspan Health
1101 S George St
York PA, 17405
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Description
When this hospital’s palliative care department asked the question, “could a terminally ill, intubated ICU patient be transferred home and extubated with comfort measures in the home”, there was scant literature to provide guidance. With the assistance of a multidisciplinary team, solutions were sought, a policy was written and new practice was implemented.
Review is provided of the process to bring about this extraordinary plan of care, the steps to have a seamless transition and the lessons learned along the way. The support of the health system’s partners and from the community has created a viable, working model for others to examine and implement for their own community needs.
The answer to the question is, “Yes, it is possible to transfer an intubated, terminally ill patient home safely and effectively.” This presentation provides insight into how one hospital effectively created a policy to provide this care.
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