Evidence · Systematic review or meta-analysis
Ethics and end-of-life in pediatric and neonatal ICUs: a systematic review of recommendations.
- Care and rehabilitation
- Communicating with families
- End-of-life care
- Medical
- Nursing
- Professional practice
Summary
This systematic review analyses expert guidelines and recommendations on end-of-life decision-making in neonatal and paediatric intensive care, published between 2001 and 2021. Nine eligible documents were analysed qualitatively, yielding 38 ethical positions grouped under themes of patients, parents, medical team, decision-making and treatment options. Twelve ethical principles were identified, with beneficence and the child's best interests most prominent across documents. Useful background for PICU and NICU staff involved in withholding or withdrawing life-sustaining treatment and palliative care discussions.
Summary written for PICUlearn. Always read the original.
- Licence:
- Open (Creative Commons)
The full text of this openly licensed paper is available to PICUlearn members, and Peeky can answer questions from it.
Guidelines are shown for education. Follow your unit's own guidance and senior advice.