Researchers surveyed 36 critical care physicians to develop criteria for futile treatment. They then tracked more than 1,100 patients in five intensive care units over three months to determine the frequency of futile critical care.
Sign up for our FREE E-Weekly for more coverage like this sent to your inbox!
According to the guidelines established by the critical care physicians, 11 percent of patients received futile treatment, 1 percent received futile treatment in transition to palliative care and 8.6 percent were probably receiving futile care. Sixty-eight percent of patients receiving futile treatment died before hospital discharge, and the six-month mortality rate for the group as a whole was 85 percent.
The cost of the futile care for the group of patients receiving it at the study hospital was approximately $2.6 million, according to the article.
More Articles on Quality:
Study: Continuous Ambulatory Care Lowers Preventable Geriatric Admissions
4 Ways to Mitigate Discharges Against Medical Advice
Patient Perception of Healthcare Affects Quality of Life
At the Becker's 11th Annual IT + Revenue Cycle Conference: The Future of AI & Digital Health, taking place September 14–17 in Chicago, healthcare executives and digital leaders from across the country will come together to explore how AI, interoperability, cybersecurity, and revenue cycle innovation are transforming care delivery, strengthening financial performance, and driving the next era of digital health. Apply for complimentary registration now.
