Updates from the EPIC Project

Enhancing Palliative Care in the ICU

The EPIC consortium gathered in Prague on 23-24 January 2025, marking one year since the project’s kick-off meeting. Partners convened to share progress, discuss milestones, and outline future steps in the mission to integrate palliative care into intensive care units (ICUs) across Europe.

Progress Across Work Packages

Harmonising Palliative Care Practices
The EPIC project is advancing through developing standards for palliative care in ICUs. A practical trigger list is being refined to identify patients and families who would benefit most from early palliative care discussions. Training for ICU teams includes asynchronous e-learning modules, live booster sessions, and regular skill-building meetings focusing on communication, care planning, and ethical decision-making. Feedback from clinicians ensures the program aligns with ICU realities.

Launching the Intervention Phase
The much-anticipated intervention under Work Package 2 is set to begin on 1 February 2025. The first ICU in a stepped-wedge design has already undergone training via e-learning and webinars. Telemedical support from palliative care specialists will address specific symptoms of suffering, focusing on reducing fear, stress, and ethical dilemmas. The goal is to improve the quality of life for patients while respecting their and their families’ wishes.

Understanding Economic Implications
A health economics study led by the University of Basel is underway to evaluate the financial impact of palliative care consultations in ICUs. Data collection encompasses medical resource utilisation, informal care by next of kin, and patient quality of life, providing insights into the value-for-money of these interventions.

Empowering ICU Clinicians Through Education
A blended learning format, combining e-learning and live webinars, has been introduced for ICU clinicians. This multi-professional training equips teams with the skills and knowledge to effectively integrate palliative care into their daily practices.

Exploring Barriers and Facilitators
Surveys on palliative care perceptions have provided valuable insights into facilitators and barriers to implementation across European ICUs. Data collection is complete, with analysis ongoing, and further interviews will complement these findings. A scoping review is underway and patient interviews are planned to prepare an evidence-based and preference sensitive decision

Ethical Guidelines for Telepalliative Care
Ethical recommendations for telepalliative care in ICUs are being developed based on a systematic literature review. These guidelines aim to address the complex ethical considerations unique to telepalliative interventions.

Looking Ahead

EPIC will be part of a session at Euroanaesthesia 2025, offering an excellent opportunity to learn more about its transformative work. You can view the session details here.

ESAIC plays a key role in the EPIC project, contributing expertise in fostering collaboration among European ICUs. For more information about EPIC, visit the project webpage or follow updates on LinkedIn.

Together, we’re paving the way for a compassionate, person-centred approach to intensive care.

Authors

• Arta Leci
• Dr Christiane Hartog