The effect of a simulation-based training intervention on the performance of established critical care unit teams

The effect of a simulation-based training intervention on the performance of established critical care unit teams. Critical care medicine, Dec 2011, Vol. 39(12), p. 2605-2611.

Frengley, R.W., et al.

http://journals.lww.com/ccmjournal/Abstract/2011/12000/The_effect_of_a_simulation_based_training.3.aspx

We evaluated the effectiveness of a simulation-based intervention on improving teamwork in multidisciplinary critical care teams managing airway and cardiac crises and compared simulation-based learning and case-based learning on scores for performance.

The factors which influence nurses when weaning patients from mechanical ventilation

The factors which influence nurses when weaning patients from mechanical ventilation: A qualitative study. Intensive & critical care nursing, Oct. 2011, Vol. 27(5), p. 244-252.

Lavelle, C. and Dowling, M.

http://www.intensivecriticalcarenursing.com/article/PIIS0964339711000711/abstract?rss=yes

The aim of the study was to describe the factors that influence critical care nurses when deciding to wean patients from mechanical ventilation. The study adopted a qualitative methodology, using semi-structured interviews and a vignette.

Acute post-traumatic stress in survivors of critical illness who were mechanically ventilated

Acute post-traumatic stress in survivors of critcal illness who were mechanically ventilated: A mixed methods study. Intensive & critical care nursing, Dec. 2011, Vol. 27(6), p. 338-346.

Talisayon, R., et al.

http://www.intensivecriticalcarenursing.com/article/PIIS0964339711000942/abstract?rss=yes

This study investigated the severity of post-traumatic stress (PTS) symptoms, the relationships between PTS symptoms and clinical and demographic characteristics and the subjective experiences of patients who were critically ill and mechanically ventilated in intensive care.

Surviving a critical illness through mutually being there with each other

Surviving a critical illness through mutually being there with each other: A grounded theory study. Intensive & critical care nursing, Dec 2011, Vol. 27(6), p. 317-330.

Chiang, V.C.L.

http://www.intensivecriticalcarenursing.com/article/PIIS0964339711000930/abstract?rss=yes

The objectives of this study were to conduct a theoretical analysis of the critically ill patients’ perceptions of the impact of informal support and care from their main family carer (MFC) during the time of their stay in the hospital (ICU) and thereafter (and vice versa).

Natural history of dental plaque accumulation in mechanically ventilated adults: A descriptive correlational study

National history of dental plaque accumulation in mechanically ventilated adults: A descriptive correlational study. Intensive & critical care nursing, Dec 2011, Vol. 27(6), p. 299-304.

Jones, D.J., et al.

http://www.intensivecriticalcarenursing.com/article/PIIS0964339711000802/abstract?rss=yes

The purpose of this study was to describe the pattern of dental plaque accumulation in mechanically ventilated adults. Accumulation of dental plaque and bacterial colonisation of the oropharynx is associated with a number of systemic diseases including ventilator associated pneumonia.

Vitamin D deficiency as associated with mortality in the medical intensive care unit

Vitamin D deficiency as associated with mortality in the medical intensive care unit. Critical Care, 2011, 15:R292.

Venkatram, S., et al.

http://ccforum.com/content/15/6/R292/abstract

The incidence of vitamin D deficiency in critically ill patients has been reported to range from as low as 17% to 79%. Data regarding the relationship between 25-hydroxyvitamin D levels and outcomes in the medical intensive care unit are sparse. The goal of the study was to evaluate the prevalence of 25-hydroxyvitamin D deficiency in the medical intensive care unit and its relationship with outcomes.

Long-term psychological effects of a no sedation protocol in critically ill patients

Long-term psychological effects of a no sedation protocol in critically ill patients. Critical Care, 2011, R:293.

Stroem, T., et al.

http://ccforum.com/content/15/6/R293/abstract

A protocol of no sedation has been shown to reduce the time patients receive mechanical ventilation and reduce intensive care and total hospital length of stay. The long term psychological effects of this strategy have not yet been described. The purpose of the study was to test whether a strategy of no sedation alters long-term psychological outcome compared with a standard strategy with sedation.

Decisional responsibility for mechanical ventilation and weaning: an international survey

Decisional responsibility for mechanical ventilation and weaning: An international survey. Critical care 2011, 15:R295.

Rose, L., et al.

http://ccforum.com/content/15/6/R295/abstract

Optimal management of mechanical ventilation and weaning requires dynamic and collaborative decision making to minimize complications and avoid delays in the transition to extubation. In the absence of collaboration, ventilation decision making may be fragmented, inconsistent, and delayed Our objective was to describe the professional group with responsibility for key ventilation and weaning decisions and examine organizational characteristics associated with nurse involvement.