A Communication Tool to Improve Communication in the ICU

"This intervention uses scenario planning and a daily report of the interplay between major events and prognosis to illustrate a range of long-term outcomes and treatment experiences. By using a graphic aid to illustrate what we are hoping for, what we are worried about, and the evolution of the patient's story over time, the tool aims to facilitate dialogue among older adult trauma patients, their families, and the trauma team. Because the tool delivers critical prognostic information over the longitudinal course of care, subsequent treatment decisions can be made within the context of the patient's overall health status. This information alerts patients and families to the life-limiting nature of serious injury and provides an entrée for them to consider how comfort-focused strategies might better align with patients' end-of-life goals.~All clinicians will be trained to create, use, and/or reference the graphic aids with patients depending on their roles in the trauma ICU."