Objectives: To describe the development, launch, implementation, and outcomes of a unique multisite collaborative (ie, IMPACT-ICU [Integrating Multidisciplinary Palliative Care into the ICU]) to teach ICU nurses communication skills specific to palliative care. To identify options for collaboration between oncology and critical care nurses when integrating palliation into nursing care planning.
Data Sources: Published literature and collective experiences of the authors in the provision of onco-critical-palliative care.
Background: Integrating palliative care into intensive care units (ICUs) requires involvement of bedside nurses, who report inadequate education in palliative care.
Objective: To implement and evaluate a palliative care professional development program for ICU bedside nurses.
Methods: From May 2013 to January 2015, palliative care advanced practice nurses and nurse educators in 5 academic medical centers completed a 3-day train-the-trainer program followed by 2 years of mentoring to implement the initiative.
Context: Successful and sustained integration of palliative care into the intensive care unit (ICU) requires the active engagement of bedside nurses.
Objectives: To describe the perspectives of ICU bedside nurses on their involvement in palliative care communication.
Methods: A survey was designed, based on prior work, to assess nurses' perspectives on palliative care communication, including the importance and frequency of their involvement, confidence, and barriers.