Continuous Deep Sedation Until Death

Continuous Deep Sedation Until Death Following a Decision to Limit or Stop Treatment in Intensive Care and in Continuous Surveillance Units

This research is a descriptive observational study conducted in multicenter (intensive care and continuing care units) in France. All data collected is part of the patient record. The main objective is to describe the end-of-life sedative practices following a decision to limit or stop therapy in intensive care unit and continuing care unit.

All participating sites will include last 10 consecutive major patients deceased following a decision to limit or stop therapeutics. The study include only data from patients died before January 1, 2020. In the case report form the following information will be entered:

• the characteristics of the unit of intensive care or continuing care unit.
• Patient Characteristics
• Characteristics of sedative practices

Inclusion Criteria:

• Adult patients at the time of death (>18years)
• Died in intensive care or in continuing care unit
• Patient died before January 1st, 2020.
• Patients deceased following a decision to limit or stop therapeutics

Exclusion Criteria:

• Patients who died of brain death or unexpected cardiac arrest at death of unsuccessful cardiopulmonary resuscitation
• Patient who expressed during his lifetime his opposition to the use of his data for scientific research