Providing a palliative approach in an ICU is not an oxymoron and is within our reach today. Patricia M. Davidson discusses how implementing a palliative approach will better ensure the needs of older patients and their families are met. Investing in developing the palliative care capabilities of ICUs and implementing appropriate policies that support the delivery of best evidence-based palliative care, will help ICU clinicians move seamlessly from implementing intensive therapies focusing on cure to palliation and relief of symptoms and care of families.

Image courtesy of interviewee