RT Journal
A1 Arulkumaran N
T1 ADvance care planning of the acutely unwell patient
JF Archives of Internal Medicine
JO Archives of Internal Medicine
YR 2012
FD September 10
VO 172
IS 16
SP 1268
OP 1269
DO 10.1001/archinternmed.2012.2518
UL http://dx.doi.org/10.1001/archinternmed.2012.2518
AB 
In a recent article, Stelfox et al1 make an important observation that when less intensive care unit (ICU) beds are available, the decisions to change patients' goals of care to a more conservative approach increases. This appears to be a response to the lack of ICU facilities rather than an active decision. When it is deemed unlikely to avert death, and death is imminent, our duty to provide patients with supportive care is no less important than our duty to save lives. Advance care planning and any decision to palliate should not be viewed as an option arising from the lack of resources. This requires adequate recognition and training.