Impact of critical care nursing on 30-day mortality of mechanically ventilated older adults

Impact of critical care nursing on 30-day mortality of mechanically ventilated older adults. Critical Care Medicine, May 2014, Vol. 42(5), p.1089-95.

Kelly, D.M., et al.

http://journals.lww.com/ccmjournal/Abstract/2014/05000/Impact_of_Critical_Care_Nursing_on_30_Day.9.aspx

The mortality rate for mechanically ventilated older adults in ICUs is high. A robust research literature shows a significant association between nurse staffing, nurses’ education, and the quality of nurse work environments and mortality following common surgical procedures. A distinguishing feature of ICUs is greater investment in nursing care. The objective of this study is to determine the extent to which variation in ICU nursing characteristics—staffing, work environment, education, and experience—is associated with mortality, thus potentially illuminating strategies for improving patient outcomes.