LIMITATION OF THERAPEUTIC EFFORT IN CRITICALLY ILL PATIENTS: THE ROLE OF NURSING

Abstract

Technological advancement in recent years has allowed the development of equipment that may extend the life of human beings. However, professionals today understand that there are circumstances in which keeping a patient alive does not necessarily mean a benefit for himself or his family. In this context the limitation of therapeutic effort (LTE) emerge, in which the role of professionals, including nurse, is not described. Objective: analyze the literature regarding the role of nursing in the process of decision-making and implementation of the LTE. Methods: A literature review was performed in different databases using the keywords: withholding treatment, withdrawal treatment, nursing care, role nursing, life-sustaining and Spanish translation. A total of 18 articles that describe the role of nurses in the LTE were obtained. Results: The main findings are: first, the model developed by Gardaz in 2011, which guides the role to be played by each of the professionals. Second, the needed roles of advocacy, support and information agents to be played by the nurse in the context of LTE. Conclusions: There is a very scarce literature of clarify the role of nursing. It is necessary to prepare guidelines on LTE in health institutions, which would further clarify the roles of professionals.