Lightning rounds #23: How we do end-of-life care

The podcast addresses end-of-life care in critical care settings, focusing on how intensivists navigate patient prognosis and goals of care. The speakers explore the responsibilities of critical care specialists versus palliative care teams, particularly in surgical and neuro ICUs. They emphasize the importance of early, honest communication with families, balancing aggressive measures with comfort and dignity. They share common pitfalls, such as avoiding difficult conversations, providing false hope, or prioritizing personal emotions over patient interests. The discussion highlights the challenge of prognostication, distinguishing between acute events and chronic disease trajectories, and advocating for shared decision-making that respects patient values.