Implementation of a Life-Sustaining Management and Alternative Protocol for Actively Dying Patients in the Emergency Department.

Problem: The aging population and the growing number of home hospice patients have resulted in increased utilization of emergency departments. This situation poses a clinical challenge to the ED staff in determining when lifesaving treatment is indicated and when end of life care begins.

Methods: Through a shared governance model, ED physicians and nursing staff aimed to implement a best practice model for the care of dying patients.