Publication Date
9-4-2026
Degree Awarded Date
August 21, 2026
DOI
https://doi.org/10.tx3j-md63
Abstract
Background & Significance: Intensive care unit (ICU) patients often face serious illness or terminal diagnoses requiring invasive monitoring and life-sustaining treatments. Palliative care (PC) supports patients and their families by focusing on improving quality of life, goals of care, and symptom management. It is estimated that 14-20% of ICU patients in the United States could benefit from palliative care consults (PCCs) with potential savings of $6 billion per year. Nurses caring for these patients face unique ethical challenges and may develop secondary post-traumatic stress, emotional strain, burnout, and compassion fatigue.
Review of Literature: The review of literature supported a structured PCC process and a PC consideration checkbox to promote referral to PC. A standardized process for nurse-driven PC referral was identified as a practice gap at the project site.
Methods: The End-of-Life Nursing Education Consortium (ELNEC) and the American Association of Critical-Care Nurses (AACN) were used as resources to develop project-specific ICU nurse education. A “PC Consideration" checkbox outside of patient rooms was implemented to promote discussion in rounds of potential PCCs. Data were collected from the Electronic Health Record (EHR), a quiz, and a survey on PCCs, nurse knowledge, and nurse comfort, respectively before and after intervention.
Results: Palliative care consults increased by 3.2%, or 22% of baseline data. While mean knowledge scores were similar, improvements of 3-35% were achieved for the majority of the questions. Comfort levels increased for 4 out of 5 topics.
Discussion of Findings/Implications: An increase in PCCs and perceived comfort was achieved by the project. Implications for future projects include educational online modules and a better aligned knowledge assessment.
Language
English (en)
Document Type
Other
Advisor
Johnston, Bonnie DNP, RN, AGPCNP, NP-C, FNP-C (Co-Chair) Barnes-Jewish College Goldfarb School of Nursing
Associated Committee
Spencer, Julie DNP, RN, CDCES (Co-Chair) Barnes-Jewish College Goldfarb School of Nursing
Recommended Citation
Zimmer, Kyra, "Palliative Care Consults in the Intensive Care Unit" (2026). Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) Student Projects. Paper 33.
https://doi.org/https://doi.org/10.tx3j-md63
