Characteristics of Patients in the ICU With Palliative Care Consults in a Tertiary University Hospital

University Hospital Basel

Status: Active, not recruiting

Conditions: Palliative Care Referral

Treatments: Other: Palliative care consult

Study type: Observational

Funder types: Other

Identifiers

NCT06984471

2025-00734 am25Sutter4;

Details and patient eligibility

About

The aim of this retrospective observational single-center cohort study is to investigate the factors associated with palliative care (PC) referral, examine intensive care unit (ICU) involvement before, during, or after the referral, and evaluate patient outcomes such as mortality, hospital and ICU length of stay, discharge destination, functional status, symptom management, and the content of PC consultation reports.

Full description

Palliative care (PC) in the intensive care unit (ICU) can improve care for critically ill patients by supporting decision-making, managing symptoms, and planning for end-of-life care. Early referral to PC has been linked to more do-not-resuscitate and do-not-intubate decisions, fewer ICU procedures, and more transfers to hospice care. However, PC is still underused in many ICUs, partly because doctors often overestimate patient survival. Most referral guidelines are based on older patients or those with serious conditions, which may not apply to younger or potentially recovering patients.

Existing studies mostly focus on survival or length of stay, with limited information on symptoms, functional recovery, or patient comfort. Some research suggests that PC needs are often not well met in the ICU.

This retrospective single-center cohort study aims to better understand when and why ICU patients are referred to PC, how their care changes, and what outcomes follow. It will also examine symptom management, functional outcomes, and recommendations made by the PC team.

The results of this study may help improve the timing and use of PC in the ICU to better support patient needs.

Enrollment: 532 patients

Sex: All

Ages: 18+ years old

Volunteers: No Healthy Volunteers

Inclusion criteria

• Adult patients (i.e., patients ≥18 years of age)
• Palliative care consult either before, during or after a ICU stay at the University Hospital Basel between 2019 and until the end of 2024

Exclusion criteria

• Patients younger than 18 years
• Patients with documented refusal to use data

Trial design

532 participants in 3 patient groups

Before ICU stay

Description:

Adult patients with a PC consult before an ICU stay at the University Hospital Basel between 2019 and until the end of 2024.

Treatment:

Other: Palliative care consult

During ICU stay

Description:

Adult patients with a PC consult during an ICU stay at the University Hospital Basel between 2019 and until the end of 2024.

Treatment:

Other: Palliative care consult

After ICU stay

Description:

Adult patients with a PC consult after an ICU stay at the University Hospital Basel between 2019 and until the end of 2024.

Treatment:

Other: Palliative care consult