Advance Directives in the ICU: Challenges and Challenges

12/21/24 • 7 min

Saving Lives Podcast: Critical Care w/eddyjoemd

In this episode of The Saving Lives Podcast, we delve into the intricate subject of advance directives in the intensive care setting. Titled "Deciphering the Complex World of Advance Directives in ICU Care: Challenges and Solutions," the episode explores the historical background, implementation challenges, and the impact of advance directives on patient care within ICUs. Let's highlight the practical difficulties healthcare professionals face in honoring patients' wishes and the varied effectiveness of advance directives across different regions. This episode aims to shed light on the importance of advance directives in ensuring patient autonomy and improving the quality of end-of-life care in critical settings.

The Vasopressor & Inotrope Handbook I have written "The Vasopressor & Inotrope Handbook: A Practical Guide for Healthcare Professionals," a must-read for anyone caring for critically ill patients (check out the reviews)! You have several options to get a physical copy. Amazon: ⁠⁠https://amzn.to/47qJZe1⁠⁠ (Affiliate Link) Signed & Personalized Copy: ⁠⁠https://eddyjoemd.myshopify.com/products/the-vasopressor-inotrope-handbook⁠⁠ My website: ⁠⁠www.eddyjoemd.com⁠⁠ Instagram: ⁠⁠www.instagram.com/eddyjoemd⁠⁠ X: ⁠⁠www.x.com/eddyjoemd⁠⁠ Facebook: ⁠⁠www.facebook.com/eddyjoemd⁠⁠ My Amazon store for resources you may find helpful: ⁠⁠www.amazon.com/shop/eddyjoemd⁠⁠ @eddyjoemd is a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for sites to earn advertising fees by advertising and linking to Amazon.com Although great care has been taken to ensure that the information in this podcast is accurate, eddyjoemd, LLC shall not be held responsible or liable for its continued accuracy or any errors, omissions, inaccuracies, or consequences arising from it.

Citation: Baumann SM, Kruse NJ, Kliem PSC, Amacher SA, Hunziker S, Dittrich TD, Renetseder F, Grzonka P, Sutter R. Translation of patients' advance directives in intensive care units: are we there yet? J Intensive Care. 2023 Nov 15;11(1):53. doi: 10.1186/s40560-023-00705-z. PMID: 37968692; PMCID: PMC10648602.

Previous Episode

Does Left Atrial Appendage Closure Worsen Postoperative Atrial Fibrillation Risk in Cardiac Surgery?

In this episode, we discuss recent findings on the potential risks of left atrial appendage closure (LAAC) in cardiac surgery patients without prior atrial fibrillation. The study highlights an increased risk of new-onset postoperative AF and prolonged hospital stays without clear benefits in mortality or stroke prevention.

The Vasopressor & Inotrope Handbook I have written "The Vasopressor & Inotrope Handbook: A Practical Guide for Healthcare Professionals," a must-read for anyone caring for critically ill patients (check out the reviews)! You have several options to get a physical copy. Amazon: ⁠https://amzn.to/47qJZe1⁠ (Affiliate Link) My Store: ⁠https://eddyjoemd.myshopify.com/products/the-vasopressor-inotrope-handbook⁠ My website: ⁠www.eddyjoemd.com⁠ Instagram: ⁠www.instagram.com/eddyjoemd⁠ X: ⁠www.x.com/eddyjoemd⁠ Facebook: ⁠www.facebook.com/eddyjoemd⁠ My Amazon store for resources you may find helpful: ⁠www.amazon.com/shop/eddyjoemd⁠ @eddyjoemd is a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for sites to earn advertising fees by advertising and linking to Amazon.com Although great care has been taken to ensure that the information in this podcast is accurate, eddyjoemd, LLC shall not be held responsible or liable for its continued accuracy or any errors, omissions, inaccuracies, or consequences arising from it.

Movember Link: ⁠https://movember.com/m/eddyjoemd?mc=1⁠

Citation: Shuhaiber JH, Abbas M, Morland T, Kirchner HL, El-Manzalawy Y. Atrial appendage closure is associated with increased risk for postoperative atrial fibrillation. J Cardiothorac Surg. 2024 Nov 2;19(1):619. doi: 10.1186/s13019-024-03119-6. PMID: 39488696.

Next Episode

Hyperdynamic LV Function in Septic Patients: Does It Matter?

In this episode of The Saving Lives Podcast, we dive into a compelling study from the Annals of Intensive Care, exploring the prevalence and impact of hyperdynamic left ventricular systolic function in septic patients. Unpacking the findings, we discuss how this condition influences mortality rates and what it means for clinical practice in intensive care units.

Citation: Sato R, Sanfilippo F, Hasegawa D, Prasitlumkum N, Duggal A, Dugar S. Prevalence and prognosis of hyperdynamic left ventricular systolic function in septic patients: a systematic review and meta-analysis. Ann Intensive Care. 2024 Feb 3;14(1):22. doi: 10.1186/s13613-024-01255-9. PMID: 38308701.