The Society of Critical Care Medicine has a great new guide for patients and families: Understanding Your ICU Stay. This should help improve communication and reduce conflict. Here is the table of contents:
Why Do ICU Patients Look and Act That Way?
Chronic Critical Illness in Adults Requiring Prolonged Mechanical Ventilation
Participating in Care: What Questions Should I Ask?
Making Decisions About ICU Care
What Are the Choices Regarding Life Support?
Sepsis: What You Should Know
Taking Care of Yourself While a Family Member Is in the ICU
Critical Care Medication
Post-Intensive Care Syndrome (PICS)
Death by Neurological Criteria (Brain Death)
What to Expect After Your Family Member Leaves the ICU: Post-Intensive Care Syndrome (PICS) and Other Issues
Life Support Equipment
What to Expect When Your Child Is in a Pediatric Intensive Care Unit (PICU)
Palliative Care for Children
Glossary
Resources