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A good death

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Abstract

We describe the cases of two patients discharged home directly from the ICU. Both patients had the strong wish to die at home after being told that there were no therapeutic options. Sometimes discharge is feasible and can mean very much for patients and their family. Taking measures to ensure a “good deathbed” is an obligation for doctors and nursing staff. However, due to the focus on cure this palliative goal is not always pursued.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Intensive and Respiratory Care, Department of Internal Medicine, University Medical Centre Groningen, University of Groningen, 30.001, 9700 RB, Groningen, The Netherlands

    Brigitte C. Beuks, Aafke C. Nijhof, John H. J. M. Meertens, Jack J. M. Ligtenberg, Jaap E. Tulleken & Jan G. Zijlstra

Authors
  1. Brigitte C. Beuks
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  2. Aafke C. Nijhof
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  3. John H. J. M. Meertens
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  4. Jack J. M. Ligtenberg
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  5. Jaap E. Tulleken
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  6. Jan G. Zijlstra
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Corresponding author

Correspondence to Jan G. Zijlstra.

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Beuks, B.C., Nijhof, A.C., Meertens, J.H.J.M. et al. A good death. Intensive Care Med 32, 752–753 (2006). https://doi.org/10.1007/s00134-006-0097-6

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s00134-006-0097-6

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