What Does It Mean to Die a Bad Death? Provider Perspectives in the ICU

The delivery of patient-centered end-of-life care is often impeded by systemic barriers, such as fragmented communication, prognostic uncertainty, and institutional cultures prioritizing curative treatment over comfort-focused care. Consequently, many patients undergo interventions that prolong suffering rather than alleviate it. 

A new study just published in Surgery, conducted qualitative interviews with surgical ICU providers to explore their perspectives on what constitutes a bad death and identify barriers preventing delivery of patient-centered end-of-life care. ("What Does It Mean to Die a Bad Death? Provider Perspectives in the Surgical Intensive Care Unit")

The authors identify 4 key themes on what constitutes a bad death: (1) poor symptom management, (2) nonbeneficial care, (3) poor communication, and (4) lack of closure and preparation for death.