Intensivists' Perspectives and Practices on Palliative Care in the ICU: A Nationwide Survey in Korea.
5 affiliations
- 1Department of Critical Care Medicine, Seoul National University Hospital, Seoul, Korea.
- 2Center for Palliative Care Clinical Ethics, Seoul National University Hospital, Seoul, Korea.
- 3Division of Allergy, Pulmonary and Critical Care Medicine, Department of Internal Medicine, Research Institute for Convergence of Biomedical Science and Technology, Pusan National University Yangsan Hospital, Yangsan, Korea.
- 4Department of Human Systems Medicine, Seoul National University College of Medicine, Seoul, Korea. [email protected].
- 5Department of Internal Medicine, Chungnam National University Sejong Hospital, Chungnam National University College of Medicine, Sejong, Korea. [email protected].
Abstract
Background
While many countries have made progress in integrating palliative care into intensive care units (ICUs), implementation remains highly context-dependent. In Korea, palliative care integration within ICUs remains limited, and intensivists' perspectives on its role and applicability have not been well studied.Methods
We conducted a nationwide, cross-sectional online survey of certified intensivists and fellows registered with the Korean Society of Critical Care Medicine between April and May 2024. The questionnaire explored knowledge and confidence in palliative care, current ICU practices, referral patterns, perceived barriers, and preferred strategies for integration.Results
A total of 241 intensivists responded (response rate, 23.9%). Most agreed that palliative care should be incorporated into ICU care (97.1%) and were willing to make referrals (98.3%). Advance care planning, symptom management, and family decision-making were the most expected domains of support. However, fewer reported involvement in psychological support, end-of-life care, or bereavement services. Referral practices were more frequent in institutions with palliative care teams, while lack of resources, unsupportive institutional culture, and unclear processes were commonly cited barriers. Clinical guidelines, professional education, and reimbursement reform were identified as priority strategies for integration.Conclusion
Korean intensivists widely recognize the need for palliative care in the ICU but apply it within a limited scope. To strengthen integration, consensus on definitions, clear referral criteria, and supportive institutional and policy frameworks are required.
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BibTeX
@article{kim2026intensivists,
title = {{Intensivists' Perspectives and Practices on Palliative Care in the ICU: A Nationwide Survey in Korea.}},
author = {Tae Jung Kim and Yoon Sun Jung and Ye Sul Jeung and Woo Hyun Cho and Shin Hye Yoo and Jae Young Moon},
journal = {Journal of Korean medical science},
year = {2026},
month = oct,
doi = {10.3346/jkms.2026.41.e119},
url = {https://europepmc.org/article/MED/42901492},
note = {CC BY-NC},
}
RIS
TY - JOUR
TI - Intensivists' Perspectives and Practices on Palliative Care in the ICU: A Nationwide Survey in Korea.
AU - Tae Jung Kim
AU - Yoon Sun Jung
AU - Ye Sul Jeung
AU - Woo Hyun Cho
AU - Shin Hye Yoo
AU - Jae Young Moon
PY - 2026
DA - 2026/10/19
JO - Journal of Korean medical science
DO - 10.3346/jkms.2026.41.e119
UR - https://europepmc.org/article/MED/42901492
AB - Background While many countries have made progress in integrating palliative care into intensive care units (ICUs), implementation remains highly context-dependent. In Korea, palliative care integration within ICUs remains limited, and intensivists' perspectives on its role and applicability have not been well studied.Methods We conducted a nationwide, cross-sectional online survey of certified intensivists and fellows registered with the Korean Society of Critical Care Medicine between April and May 2024. The questionnaire explored knowledge and confidence in palliative care, current ICU practices, referral patterns, perceived barriers, and preferred strategies for integration.Results A total of 241 intensivists responded (response rate, 23.9%). Most agreed that palliative care should be incorporated into ICU care (97.1%) and were willing to make referrals (98.3%). Advance care planning, symptom management, and family decision-making were the most expected domains of support. However, fewer reported involvement in psychological support, end-of-life care, or bereavement services. Referral practices were more frequent in institutions with palliative care teams, while lack of resources, unsupportive institutional culture, and unclear processes were commonly cited barriers. Clinical guidelines, professional education, and reimbursement reform were identified as priority strategies for integration.Conclusion Korean intensivists widely recognize the need for palliative care in the ICU but apply it within a limited scope. To strengthen integration, consensus on definitions, clear referral criteria, and supportive institutional and policy frameworks are required.
SN - 1598-6357
ER -