Fig. 2

Framework of Intensive Care Unit (ICU) patients’ shared decision-making model on withdrawal of life-sustaining treatments. The SDM model for the patients was conceptualized using the three-talk model, including “team talk,” “option talk,” and “decision talk.” First, the ICU team would conduct “team talks” on ICU patients and their surrogates. After the ICU team identified the referral triggers of the patients, the patients or surrogates received the “option talk” from multidisciplinary teams with components of evidence-based medicine, communication skills, and emotional support to help reach a preference-based decision to withdraw life-sustaining treatments. After the last step, “decision talk,” the final decision is made. PC team = Palliative care team. LST = Life-sustaining treatments