Time-limited trials (TLT) in the intensive care unit : Recommendations from the ethics section of the DIVI and the ethics section of the DGIIN

Abstract

The rise in intensive care treatment procedures is accompanied by an increase in the complexity of decisions regarding the selection, administration and duration of treatment measures. Whether atreatment goal is desirable in an individual case and the treatment plan required to achieve it is acceptable for the patient depends on the patient's preferences, values and life plans. There is often uncertainty as to whether apatient-centered treatment goal can be achieved. The use of atime-limited treatment trial (TLT) as abinding agreement between the intensive care unit (ICU) team and the patient or their legal representative on atreatment concept over adefined period of time in the ICU can be helpful to reduce uncertainties and to ensure the continuation of intensive care measures in the patients' best interest.