The presence of implantable cardioverter defibrillators is rarely addressed during code status change

The presence of implantable cardioverter defibrillators is rarely addressed during code status change
American Journal of Hospice and Palliative Medicine; by Namratha Seetharam Meda, MBBS, Watipa Makhumalo, MD, Hunter Groninger, MD, Clint Pettit, MD; 6/24
Implantable Cardioverter Defibrillators (ICDs) are used to prevent sudden cardiac death, but they may provide unwanted shocks during end-of-life care. We aimed to study the frequency at which Do Not Resuscitate (DNR) discussions address ICD preferences in high-risk patients. ... ICD discussions were rarely documented in our high-risk population, highlighting a potential need for better in-chart visibility of ICDs and for focused education of clinicians who care for these patients at end of life.