Multidisciplinary Lessons from Palliative Extubations at Home

Prehosp Emerg Care. 2024 Nov 15:1-4. doi: 10.1080/10903127.2024.2420198. Online ahead of print.

Abstract

Most patients with serious illness prefer to die at home; however, for those requiring ongoing ventilatory support, this preference is often not honored due to the difficulties of arranging a palliative extubation at home. Here we present two cases of successful home palliative extubations, coordinated by a multidisciplinary team including critical care, palliative care, care management, hospice, and emergency medical services (EMS) clinicians. By exploring the operational and regulatory challenges accompanying these cases, we provide a road map for offering mechanically ventilated patients the choice of a death at home and provide truly holistic and patient-centered care.