The Very Old Critically Ill Patients

The book provides detailed up-to-date information on the care of the critical ill very old (≥80 years) patients in the ICU, covering epidemiology, outcomes, and age-related changes in vital organ functions. It is written jointly by intensivists and geriatricians, fostering collaboration to improve care and rehabilitation.

Format: Hardback
Length: 588 pages
Publication date: 04 August 2022
Publisher: Springer Nature Switzerland AG

This comprehensive textbook, part of the European Society of Intensive Care Medicine (ESICM) textbook series, delves into the intricate care of critically ill very old (≥80 years) patients in the intensive care unit (ICU). The aging population is rapidly expanding, and this trend is evident in hospitals and ICUs across the globe. Over the past decade, significant advancements in knowledge about the unique challenges faced by the critically ill elderly have been made, and numerous large networks have collaborated to conduct multinational studies in this field, with roots in the ESICM. This book aims to provide readers with a comprehensive understanding of the current epidemiology, patient-centered outcomes, and factors influencing these outcomes for elderly ICU patients. A significant portion of the text is dedicated to exploring age-related changes in vital organ functions, as well as the specific geriatric "syndromes" such as frailty, cognitive decline, reduced activity of daily living, sarcopenia, and immunosenescence. Understanding these aspects is crucial for practicing intensivists to provide optimal care. Additionally, the book provides detailed descriptions of specific groups of elderly patients in the ICU, including those with trauma or sepsis.

The book is a collaborative effort between intensivists and geriatricians, often working in teams and originating from diverse countries. This collaboration marks a new era in the interdisciplinary approach to improving care and rehabilitation for the critically ill elderly. Both groups bring unique perspectives to patient care, with a holistic view of the patient but with different focuses. This book is valuable for all professionals working in adult ICUs, including physicians and nurses. It aims to enhance understanding of the unique challenges posed by this important subgroup of ICU patients and provide strategies for managing them in a manner that balances respect for life with the inevitability of death.

In conclusion, this textbook is a valuable resource for healthcare professionals seeking to improve the care and outcomes of critically ill very old patients in the ICU. It provides up-to-date information on epidemiology, patient-centered outcomes, and geriatric syndromes, as well as specific groups of elderly patients. The collaborative approach between intensivists and geriatricians fosters interdisciplinary collaboration and innovation, leading to improved care and better patient outcomes.

Weight: 1402g
Dimension: 173 x 248 x 37 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9783030941321
Edition number: 1st ed. 2022