The Bristol Protocol

The Bristol Protocol is a medical guideline used in intensive care to determine when to withdraw life support from critically ill patients who have little chance of recovery. It emphasizes ethical decision-making by considering the patient’s wishes, quality of life, and medical prognosis. The protocol encourages clear communication among healthcare teams and families, ensuring that decisions are patient-centered and made with compassion. Its goal is to prevent unnecessary suffering and to ensure that end-of-life care is handled thoughtfully and ethically, respecting patient dignity while avoiding prolonging life artificially when recovery is unlikely.