Avoid unnecessary tests and treatments by establishing your patient’s preferences and goals of care.

It is imperative that practitioners respect the pre-injury wishes of the patient. Clarifying these wishes as soon as appropriate, either with the patient or their substitute decision maker, can avoid subjecting patients and their decision makers to aggressive interventions that may not align with their goals.

 

Sources

Downar J, et al. Nonbeneficial treatment Canada: definitions, causes, and potential solutions from the perspective of healthcare practitioners*. Crit Care Med. 2015 Feb;43(2):270-81. PMID: 25377017.