Fast Fact and Concept #035: Information for patients and families about ventilator withdrawal (Part III)

2nd Edition

Author(s): Charles von Gunten , MD PhD and David E. Weissman, MD

Note: This is Part III of a three-part series; Part I reviewed a protocol for removing the ventilator (FF#33), Part II reviewed medications for symptom control (FF#34).

The physician’s counseling of families is a critical aspect of care for the dying patient who is to be removed from a ventilator. Ideally the family will be involved in the decision to withdraw the ventilator and thus apprised of the goals of care. Before withdrawal, the following issues should be discussed.

Potential outcome of ventilator withdrawal

Assuming all other life-sustaining treatments have been stopped, including artificial hydration and nutrition, there are several potential outcomes: rapid death within minutes (typically patients with sepsis on maximal blood pressure support), death within hours to days (see FF# 3), or stable cardiopulmonary function leading to a different set of care plans, including potential hospital discharge. If the latter possibility is realistic, future management plans should be discussed prior to ventilator removal, since some families may desire to resume certain treatments, notably artificial hydration/nutrition. Generally, by the nature of the underlying illness and the established goals, it is fairly easy to predict which category will be operative, but all families should be prepared for some degree of prognostic uncertainty (see FF #30).

The procedure of ventilator withdrawal

Never make assumptions about what the family understands; describe the procedure in clear, simple terms and answer any questions. Families should be told before-hand the steps of withdrawal and whether or not it is planned/desired to remove the endotracheal tube (see FF#33). In addition, they should be counseled about the use of oxygen and medications for symptom control. Assure them that the patient’s comfort is of primary concern. Explain that breathlessness may occur, but that it can be managed. Con­firm that you will have medication available to manage any discomfort. Ensure they know that the patient will likely need to be kept asleep to control their symptoms and that involuntary moving or gasping does not reflect suffering if the patient is properly sedated or in a coma.

Explain how the family, clergy and others can be at the bedside before, during and after withdrawal. If asked, explain that they can show love and support through touch, wiping of the patient’s forehead, holding a hand and talking to him or her.

Support the decision

Even though a family is able to make a definite decision for ventilator withdrawal, such a decision is always emotionally charged. Families will constantly second-guess themselves, especially if the patient appears to linger following ventilator withdrawal. Physician support, guidance and leadership is crucial, as the family will be looking to the physician to ensure them that they are “doing the right thing”. Furthermore, it is common for families to have concerns that their decision constitutes euthanasia or assisted suicide—explicit counseling from a physician will be needed. Finally, support needs to continue following death during the bereavement period (see Fast Fact # 22).

References

Adapted from: Emanuel, LL, von Gunten, CF, Ferris, FF (eds.). “Module 11: Withholding and Withdrawing Therapy,” The EPEC Curriculum: Education for Physicians on End-of-life Care. www.EPEC.net: The EPEC Project, 1999.

Principles and practice of withdrawing life-sustaining treatment in the ICU. Rubenfeld GD and Crawford SW, in Managing death in the Intensive Care Unit. Curtis JR and Rubenfeld GD (eds) Oxford University Press, 2001 pgs 127-147.

Fast Facts were edited by David Weissman MD, Palliative Care Center, Medical College of Wisconsin until January 2007.  For comments/questions write to the current editor, Drew Rosielle MD: drosiell@mcw.edu. The complete set of Fast Facts is available at EPERC: www.eperc.mcw.edu

Copyright/Referencing Information: Users are free to download and distribute Fast Facts for educational purposes only. Citation for referencing: von Gunten CF and Weissman DE. Information for patients and families about ventilator withdrawal; Ventilator Withdrawal Protocol, Part 3. Fast Fact and Concept #35; 2nd Edition, July 2005. End-of-Life Palliative Education Resource Center www.eperc.mcw.edu .

Disclaimer: Fast Facts provide educational information, this information is not medical advice. Health care providers should exercise their own independent clinical judgment. Some Fast Fact information cites the use of a product in dosage, for an indication, or in a manner other than that recommended in the product labeling. Accordingly, the official prescribing information should be consulted before any such product is used.

Creation Date: 2/2001; 2nd Edition, July 2005

Purpose: Instructional Aid, Self-Study Guide, Teaching

Audience(s)

ACGME Competencies: Interpersonal and Communication Skills, Patient Care

Keyword(s): ICU

Specific Disease and Organ System Category(s): ICU