CMO (Comfort Measures Only)
Formal Definition
A care designation indicating that the goals of care have shifted entirely to symptom management and comfort, with no life-prolonging interventions. Equivalent to "comfort-focused care" or hospice-level care in the inpatient setting.
How It's Used on the Ward
"Going CMO" or "making the patient CMO" — a goals-of-care transition after discussion with patient and/or family.
Example
""Family meeting with all four children — unanimous decision to transition to CMO. Stopped pressors, discontinued monitoring, started morphine drip for comfort. Chaplain and social work at bedside.""
Clinical Context
CMO is a clinical and ethical decision, not just an order set. It requires documented goals-of-care discussion, ideally with palliative care involved. CMO ≠ "doing nothing" — it means doing everything for comfort (pain, dyspnea, anxiety, secretions). Morphine is appropriate and does not hasten death when titrated to comfort.
281 clinical terms, flashcards, quizzes, and ward simulations. Free to start.
Practice All Terms on DoctorSpeak