endoflifekriteriet

Endoflifekriteriet is a term used in healthcare to describe a set of criteria that clinicians use to identify when a patient is approaching end of life and to guide care decisions. The criteria are not universal; they vary by country, institution, and clinical context. In practice, they are used to determine when to shift focus from curative attempts to palliative or comfort-oriented care, and to inform conversations with patients and families about goals and expectations.

Common components include prognosis (anticipated life expectancy often measured in days to weeks or months), functional status (loss of independence and progressive frailty), and symptom burden (refractory pain, dyspnea, delirium, or other distressing symptoms). The decision to forgo or withdraw certain life-sustaining treatments is also considered, taking into account the patient’s values, previously expressed wishes, and consent capacity.

Application of endoflifekriteriet typically triggers plans for palliative care or hospice involvement, goals-of-care discussions, and decisions about resuscitation, ICU admission, artificial nutrition and hydration, and other interventions. It emphasizes comfort, quality of life, symptom relief, and support for families, while respecting ethical and legal norms.

Challenges include prognostic uncertainty, potential variability in criteria between settings, and the risk of bias or premature withdrawal of beneficial treatments. Effective use relies on multidisciplinary assessment, clear communication, and shared decision-making with patients and surrogates.

See also: palliative care, hospice, do-not-resuscitate orders, advance care planning, prognostication.