Dying in the Intensive Care Unit: A Candle Vigil Using Illustrations

The candle—since its invention as burning wax approximately 3000 years bc—has evolved into a symbol of light in the darkness, a remembrance, a prayer for the dead, and celebration of major religious holidays. The candle functions in bereavement to inspire reflection and tribute. It is prominently used in vigils. People often spontaneously place candles in front of houses of recently deceased public figures or to commemorate deaths caused by natural disasters or acts of terrorism.

Major world religions have used the candle with overlapping meanings. The candle in the Roman Catholic Church signifies the divine savior (Lumen Christi). Ages ago, candles were placed in the hands of the dying, and the burning light was a symbol of Christ whom the departed went to meet. Believers in Judaism kindle lights to usher in the Sabbath and festivals, and it is customary to light a candle on the anniversary of a death (Yahrzeit) of a close loved one. The National Holocaust Museum has a candle room for remembrance. Muslims do not use candles at funerals, but candlelight vigil is not explicitly prohibited. Later, most Muslims light candles on the graves of their loved ones and on shrines of prominent religious figures. Moreover, candles decorate areas with light during Ramadan (“Month of Light”). Candles are lit in front of Buddhist shrines or statues as signs of respect and are commonly used at funerals. Many Hindus incorporate fire in ceremonies that they consider sacred. Diwali (Festival of Lights) symbolizes the triumph of good over evil and light over darkness.

In the modern age, the symbolism of a burning candle is strong and demands serenity. Candles encountered in large numbers cause people to reflect for a moment. For many of us, it requires little explanation. It cannot be expected to offend even if used in peaceful demonstrations.

To overcome the usual restrictions against burning candles in a hospital room or ICU, we designed illustrations of a number of candles in coordination with Mayo Clinic Brand Strategy and Creative Studio Department (©2018 Mayo Foundation for Medical Education and Research). We placed an illustration of a single burning candle on the door of the patient's room and illustrations of votive candles on the nurses’ station in plastic placeholders opposite or near the room of the patient (Figures 1 and 2). Triggers for placement were a decision to withdraw support in a patient with irrevocable brain injury or in patients designated as potential organ donors according to brain-death or cardiac-death protocols. The placement of an order set to withdraw support was used as a trigger to place the illustrations, but the nursing staff additionally confirmed this order with physicians to avoid misunderstandings. Families were notified and gave verbal consent for the placement of illustrations. The illustrations remained in place until the family members had said their last goodbyes and left the unit. The door cards were Oxivir wiped, stored, and reused. Our preliminary trial lasted for a year.

The response was immediately supportive. Staff present in the unit rapidly understood the significance of the candle and toned down their conversation while passing the room. Many initially asked what the candle was for but quickly appreciated the symbolism after receiving an explanation. Nursing staff remained motivated to use the illustrations after the pilot study ended. The placeholders did not obstruct administrative traffic. Family members were likewise very appreciative―the spouse of one patient was so moved by the site of the candle door card that she requested to take it home in remembrance of her husband. Others have remarked that the simplicity of the gesture positively impacted the death experience by promoting a more personalized atmosphere and dignity. No negative experiences were identified.

The vast number of staff members caring for a patient coupled with the fast-paced, highly technical environment of the ICU can adversely―albeit unintentionally―affect the profoundly personal end-of-life experience for patients and their loved ones. Our neurointensive care unit admits many patients with acute catastrophic brain injury, but in only a fraction―approximately 5 patients per month―the devastating findings and agreed-upon futility of care results in withdrawal of care. When walking through the unit, ICU staff and visiting family members may have to identify which room has a dying (or deceased patient). We have also been struck by the impersonal―but necessary―protocolized management of the deceased (ie, closed curtains and cold stop signs). Our experience with the additional placement of candle illustrations has been very satisfactory. These illustrations may not only bring down noise levels, often related to staff conversations,^,  but also serve as a part of holistic care to patients whose lives are drawing to an end. Families and all health care workers with different beliefs (or no belief) appear to appreciate the symbolism of the candle placed outside the room of the dying patient, but it only goes so far to assuage the grief. We do not pretend this placement of candle illustrations alleviates the bereavement process, but we do not envision any negative effect. Despite an increasingly secular world, religious beliefs continue to play a role in managing end-of-life care, and the candle illustrations will affirm its symbolism for many. We perceive the candle illustration as a neutral symbol that nevertheless respects faith-based and other interpretations. The candle illustration should not take away hope for a miracle in some family members even after the decision is made to go to comfort measures. The placard should be used only for those patients who transitioned to comfort care and after full agreement to withdrawal of support but also with physicians anticipating early demise.

Our trial was performed in the neurointensive care unit, but we do not foresee concerns when candles are used in other types of ICUs. Its continuing use after the patient is moved out of the ICU to a regular ward may be considered.

Our illustrations have a noticeable color scheme and are large enough for easy notice. The alternative or additional use of battery-operated candles may be physically more difficult, but we have allowed them in patients' rooms at the families' request.

Candles have long symbolized part of the Mayo Clinic model of care. The Sisters of Saint Francis, who founded Saint Marys Hospital and welcomed people from all faiths, believed in prayer as a key component of care. Dr William J. Mayo, who came from a different tradition, respected and honored the Sisters' devotion to patients. He often told the Sisters, “I'll pay for the candles, and you light them.”

The sight of a candle often causes individuals to pause, silence themselves, and reflect. In spite of the immense religious symbolism associated with candles, they additionally evoke peace, quiet, and tranquility in the absence of a belief system. Candles are thus both a neutral and universal symbol. In the unit, the door placards and nurses’ station signs serve as a visual reminder in a simple and discreet manner that a patient has shifted from life-sustaining interventions to end-of-life care.

We thank Lea and Matt Dacy for suggestions and expert editing. The manuscript was reviewed and approved by Mayo Clinic Values Council and Bereavement Committee. The illustrations can be made available upon emailing Dr Wijdicks at [email protected]