Table 1.

A roadmap for an anti-racist approach to palliative care in the neurointensive care unit

Actionable approach		Associated tenet of palliative care
Affirm narratives	Acknowledge the impact of racism and its contributions to medical mistrust Use high-quality communication skills (actively listen, ask open-ended questions, provide empathetic responses)	Reduce pain and symptoms Align treatment with values Alleviate emotional distress
Lead with empathy and dignity	Restore dignity Make eye contact Use open body language	Alleviate emotional distress
Honor values	Assess the patient’s values and goals Align treatment plans with the patient’s values and goals Engage family early in decision-making	Reduce pain and symptoms Alleviate emotional distress Align treatment with values Provide end-of-life care
Practice cultural humility	Acknowledge biases Self-reflect and be aware of your own identity and how it may differ from others’	Provide end-of-life care Alleviate emotional distress