Good rules for ICU admission allow a fair allocation of resources, even in a pandemic

A set of guidelines concerning ethical, medical and social aspects of triage decisions, as well as of other related problems of the COVID-19 pandemic: In all cases, decisions must be based on sound, transparent and understandable rules.

Mimics and chameleons of COVID-19

To understand the new and sometimes puzzling clinical presentations emerging in the current COVID-19 pandemic, it is important to have at hand concepts such as “mimics and chameleons”. 

The oldest old: the newest focus in end-of-life care?

Older people living with serious illness and multiple old-age related co-morbidities are regarded as a group in a highly vulnerable position when it comes to decision making at the end of life. They are largely unempowered and prone to medical paternalism and ageism. Their low functional status can lead to therapeutic pessimism.

Systematic review of pneumothoraces after endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography

Pneumothoraces after endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography (ERCP) are an uncommon but potentially lethal complication. Little evidence is available on their epidemiology, diagnosis and therapy.

Marfan syndrome and related connective tissue disorders in the current era in Switzerland in 103 patients: medical and surgical management and impact of genetic testing

Marfan syndrome (MFS) and related connective tissue disorders (CTDs) are increasingly recognised. Genetic testing has greatly improved the diagnostic outcome/power over the last two decades.

Code status discussions in medical inpatients: results of a survey of patients and physicians

Code status discussions are useful for understanding patients’ preferences in the case of a cardiac/pulmonary arrest. These discussions can also provide patients with a basis for informed decision-making regarding life-sustaining treatment.

COVID-19 pandemic: triage for intensive-care treatment under resource scarcity

If insufficient resources are available, rationing decisions will become necessary, placing considerable burdens on medical staff. This makes it all the more important that uniform criteria for ICU admission and continued occupancy should be applied throughout Switzerland.

Recommendations for the admission of patients with COVID-19 to intensive care and intermediate care units (ICUs and IMCUs)

The Swiss Society of Intensive Care Medicine (SSIM) has elaborated detailed and coherent guidelines defining the criteria for admission to the ICU in situations of bed shortage.

COVID-19: decision making and palliative care

Due to the current development around the COVID-19 pandemic, palliative ch has created a Task Force to provide recommendations for health professionals on the treatment of palliative care patients in the various settings ‒ inpatient and outpatient.

COVID-19 pandemic: palliative care for elderly and frail patients at home and in residential and nursing homes

The current pandemic and the publication of the SAMS Guidelines “COVID-19 pandemic: triage for intensive-care treatment under resource scarcity” have prompted the Association for Geriatric Palliative Medicine to prepare these recommendations for practice.