Reducing Non-Beneficial Renal Replacement Therapy in the ICU: Teaching Fellows to Negotiate a Time-Limited Trial

Abstract

In March 2014, the authors implemented a two-phase training initiative for pulmonary and nephrology fellows that included a didactic session and a simulated surrogate encounter. The didactic session provided clinical knowledge and communication skills training necessary to lead end-of-life discussions with surrogates, including how to introduce a time-limited trial. The simulated encounter involved a 20 minute interaction with a professional actor playing the role of a surrogate decision maker. Fellows completed pre and post-encounter surveys assessing self-reported knowledge and communication skills.