Dtsch Med Wochenschr 2021; 146(11): 763-768
DOI: 10.1055/a-1227-1842
Schritt für Schritt

Sedierung in der Palliativversorgung – Schritt für Schritt

Sedation in palliative care – step by step
Eva Schildmann
,
Constanze Rémi
,
Claudia Bausewein

Sedierung in der Palliativversorgung, auch „palliative Sedierung“ genannt, ist eine wichtige Behandlungsoption für Patienten, die unter therapierefraktären Symptomen in einem für sie unerträglichen Maße leiden. Ziel ist die bestmögliche Linderung dieses Leidens durch Reduktion des Bewusstseins. Essenziell für diese klinisch und ethisch herausfordernden Situationen ist eine gute Kommunikation zwischen allen Beteiligten.

Abstract

Sedation in palliative care, also called „palliative sedation“, is an important treatment option for patients who experience unbearable suffering from treatment-refractory symptoms at the end of life. The aim is to reduce this suffering as far as possible by reduction of the patient’s consciousness. Good communication between all people involved is crucial for these clinically and ethically challenging situations. This article presents definitions of key terms and of different types of sedation. It then describes the process of sedation step by step: 0. Pre-emptive discussion of the option of sedation (in the context of advance care planning); 1. indication and decision making; 2. information and informed consent; 3. documentation when starting sedation; 4. start of sedation; 5. monitoring and adaption of sedation; 6. medical and nursing care and documentation during sedation; 7. care and processes after the death of the patient (if applicable).



Publication History

Article published online:
01 June 2021

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