Objective surveillance definitions for ventilator-associated pneumonia

Objective surveillance definitions for ventilator-associated pneumonia.  Critical care medicine, Dec. 2012, Vol. 40(12), p.3154-61.

Klompas, M., et al.

http://journals.lww.com/ccmjournal/Abstract/2012/12000/Objective_surveillance_definitions_for.6.aspx

The subjectivity and complexity of surveillance definitions for ventilator-associated pneumonia preclude meaningful internal or external benchmarking and therefore hamper quality improvement initiatives for ventilated patients. We explored the feasibility of creating objective surveillance definitions for ventilator-associated pneumonia.

Pulmonary embolism in mechanically ventilated patients requiring computed tomography

Pulmonary embolism in mechanically ventilated patients requiring computed tomography: Prevalence, risk factors and outcome.  Critical care medicine, Dec. 2012, Vol. 40(12), p.3202-08.

Minet, C., et al.

http://journals.lww.com/ccmjournal/Abstract/2012/12000/Pulmonary_embolism_in_mechanically_ventilated.12.aspx

In mechanically ventilated patients who needed a computed tomography, pulmonary embolism was more common than expected. Patients diagnosed with pulmonary embolism were all treated with therapeutic anticoagulation, and their intensive care unit or hospital mortality was not impacted by the pulmonary embolism occurrence. 

Effects of the neurological wake-up test on clinical examination, intracranial pressure, brain metabolism and brain tissue oxygenation in severely brain-injured patients

Effects of the neurological wake-up test on clinical examination, intracranial pressure, brain metabolism and brain tissue oxygenation in severely brain-injured patients. Critical care, Nov. 2012, 16: R22.

Helbok, R., et al.

http://ccforum.com/content/16/6/R226/abstract

Daily interruption of sedation (IS) has been implemented in 30- 40% of intensive care units worldwide and may improve outcome in medical intensive care patients. Little is known about the benefit of IS in acutely brain-injured patients.

Feasibility of a sedation wake-up trial and spontaneous breathing trial in critically ill trauma patients

Feasibility of a sedation wake-up trial and spontaneous breathing trial in critically ill patients: A secondary analysis.  Intensive & critical care nursing, Feb., 2013, Vol. 29(1), p.20-27.

Fiqueroa-Ramos, M.I., et al.

http://www.intensivecriticalcarenursing.com/article/PIIS0964339712000523/abstract?rss=yes

To determine the feasibility of conducting a sedation wake-up trial plus a spontaneous breathing trial in critically ill trauma patients based on the ability to implement the combined intervention; to measure and describe patients’ physiological responses; and to maintain patient safety.

Impact of a preventive programme on the occurrence of incidents during the transport of critically ill patients

Impact of a preventive programme on the occurrence of incidents during the transport of critically ill patients. Intensive & critical care nursing, Feb. 2013, Vol. 29(1), p.9-19.

Berube, M., et al.

http://www.intensivecriticalcarenursing.com/article/PIIS0964339712000742/abstract?rss=yes

Incidents related to transport of critically ill patients have been extensively reported. The objective of this study was to determine the effect of an interdisciplinary preventive programme used by all intensive care unit team members involved in patients’ transport on the rate of these incidents.

Participation and support in intensive care as experienced by close relatives of patients

Participation and support in intensive care as experienced by close relatives of patients: A phenomenological study. Intensive and critical care nursing, Feb. 2013, Vol. 29(1), p.1-8.

Blom, H., et al.

http://www.intensivecriticalcarenursing.com/article/S0964-3397(12)00048-1/abstract

Participation with and support from health-care professionals are important for the relatives’ well-being and their ability to contribute to the patients’ care. Health-care professionals, especially critical care nurses, need to create an atmosphere that invites relatives to participate in the care provided at an ICU.

Safety and efficacy of the Abcde bundle in critically-ill patients receiving mechanical ventilation

Safety and efficacy of the Abcde bundle in critically-ill patients receiving mechanical ventilation. Critical care medicine, oral abstract session.

Balas, M., et al.

http://journals.lww.com/ccmjournal/Abstract/2012/12001/1___Safety_and_Efficacy_of_the_Abcde_Bundle_in.4.aspx

There is strong, recent, convincing evidence that delirium, immobility, sedation, and ventilator management are closely interrelated. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the efficacy and safety of the ABCDE bundle in critically-ill patients receiving mechanical ventilation.

Give enteral nutrition a chance in the critically ill

Give enteral nutrition a chance in the critically ill. BMJ 2012; 345:e8387. 

http://www.bmj.com/highwire/filestream/619732/field_highwire_article_pdf/0/bmj.e8387

Intensive care specialists are still debating the best way to meet the complex nutritional needs of critically ill adults. International guidelines recommend enteral nutrition first but diverge on what to do when this is not enough.