“Older trauma patients present with poor preinjury functional status and more comorbidities. Advances in care have increased the chance of survival from previously fatal injuries with many left debilitated with chronic critical illness and severe disability. Palliative care (PC) is ideally suited to address the goals of care and symptom management in this critically ill population. A retrospective chart review was done to identify the impact of PC consults on hospital length of stay (LOS), ICU LOS, and surgical decisions.”

“Specialist PC team involvement on the care of the trauma ICU patient may have a beneficial impact on hospital LOS, ICU LOS, and surgical care rendered. American College of Surgeons Trauma Quality Improvement Program have provided guidelines for the parallel collaboration of trauma care and PC. Earlier consultation may lead to higher rates of goal-directed clinical care and patient satisfaction.”

Rotundo, Erica et al. “Retrospective Review of Trauma ICU Patients With and Without Palliative Care Intervention.” Journal of the American College of Surgeons vol. 235,2 (2022): 278-284. Full Text at Emory.