1-year outcomes of patients admitted to critical care with treatment limitations: A dual-centre observational study

Intensivists are increasingly involved in the care of frail patients as our population ages. Careful person-orientated, individualised decision-making, weighing benefits and harms of critical care are required in such situations. Few studies have reported outcomes of patients with treatment limitations. This dual-centre observational study reports outcomes of 3781 patients (2018-20). At least one treatment limitation was set at admission in 13% (n = 486). Of this group 55% survived to hospital discharge, of whom 69% were discharged home; 39% remained alive at 1 year. These findings provide objective data to support clinicians, patients and relatives in shared decision-making. Future multi-centre work could explore how best to identify those most likely to benefit from critical care

Automated summary

As the population ages, intensivists play a growing role in caring for frail patients. Careful decision-making that takes into account individual circumstances and weighs the benefits and risks of critical care is necessary in these situations. A dual-center observational study involving 3781 patients (2018-20) reported outcomes of patients with treatment limitations. Among those with treatment limitations, 55% survived to hospital discharge, with 69% of them eventually being discharged home and 39% still alive at 1 year. These findings provide objective data to support shared decision-making and future research can focus on identifying patients who are most likely to benefit from critical care.