Table 1 Indications for referral to specialist supportive care

1. Difficult-to-control physical symptoms despite usual treatment approaches

2. Complex family dynamics impacting decisions about use of life-sustaining treatments

3. Conflicts among staff or between staff and patients/families about prognosis and/or use of life-sustaining treatments

4. Patients/families wanting to explore non-ICU supportive care options such as hospice services

5. Consideration for terminal discharge as defined as discharge from hospital in order to demise at home (in the order of hours to days)