Dying in an ICU
Critically ill persons in ICUs usually receive life-saving technological
medical treatments in an attempt to prevent pre-mature
death. These interventions may include ventilator support,
cardiac massage, and/or life-sustaining medications and therapies.
Patients may remain in comatose and be unable to communicate
their needs and wishes. The eventuality of the person’s
death is often dependent upon the decisions of healthcare providers
who may not follow the person’s needs or the wishes of the
person’s family (Hutteerut 2003). Critically ill and dying persons
in ICUsmay feel alone, in pain, fearful and anxious.Many do not
feel comfortable or at peace within this unfamiliar environment,
especially if family members are not present at their bedsides
(Halcomb et al. 2004; Kirchhoff et al. 2000).