SAFE-GOALS: a protocol for goals of care discussions in the intensive care unit
Introduction In critical care, there is often a lack of understanding regarding patient preferences toward end-of-life care. Goals of care discussions are poorly defined and inhibited by clinician apprehension, prognostic uncertainty, and discomfort from both sides. In the delivery of bad news, prot...
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| Main Authors: | , , , , , , |
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| Format: | Article |
| Language: | English |
| Published: |
BMJ Publishing Group
2025-03-01
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| Series: | Trauma Surgery & Acute Care Open |
| Online Access: | https://tsaco.bmj.com/content/10/1/e001663.full |
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| Summary: | Introduction In critical care, there is often a lack of understanding regarding patient preferences toward end-of-life care. Goals of care discussions are poorly defined and inhibited by clinician apprehension, prognostic uncertainty, and discomfort from both sides. In the delivery of bad news, protocol-based discussions have proven beneficial, yet no such protocol exists for goals of care discussions in the intensive care unit (ICU). We therefore assembled a multidisciplinary team to define a specific protocol dedicated to leading goals of care discussions in the ICU setting.SAFE-GOALS protocol S: set upA: acknowledgmentF: family understandingE: events of hospital courseG: get to know the patientO: optionsAL: active listening and discussionS: steps going forwardConclusion This protocol provides a framework for leading goals of care conversations in the ICU. Specific training should be incorporated and better emphasized in the modern medical education. |
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| ISSN: | 2397-5776 |