Withdrawal of Mechanical Ventilation: Considerations to Guide Patient and Family Centered Care and the Development of Health Care Policy

The goal of this chapter is to illustrate the complex issues related to withdrawal of life support using a case-based approach. We will present patient and family barriers, clinician barriers, and ethical issues and offer facilitators that may help overcome these barriers. We intend this information to serve as a practical guide and resource for pulmonary and critical care physicians and nurses.