Evaluating the past to improve the future – A qualitative study of ICU patients’ experiences
Dahle Olsen K et al
Intensive and Critical Care Nursing, Article in Press
Background:The recovery period for patients who have been in an intensive care unitis often prolonged and suboptimal. Anxiety, depression and post-traumatic stress disorder are common psychological problems. Intensive care staff offer various types of intensive aftercare. Intensive care follow-up aftercare services are not standard clinical practice in Norway.
Objective:The overall aim of this study is to investigate how adult patients experience their intensive care stay their recovery period, and the usefulness of an information pamphlet.
Method:A qualitative, exploratory research with semi-structured interviews of 29 survivors after discharge from intensive care and three months after discharge from the hospital.
Results:Two main themes emerged: “Being on an unreal, strange journey” and “Balancing between who I was and who I am” Patients’ recollection of their intensive care stay differed greatly. Continuity of care and the nurse’s ability to see and value individual differences was highlighted. The information pamphlet helped intensive care survivors understand that what they went through was normal.
Conclusions:Continuity of care and an individual approach is crucial to meet patients’ uniqueness and different coping mechanisms. Intensive care survivors and their families must be included when information material and rehabilitation programs are designed and evaluated.
Monday, 18 September 2017
The early diagnosis and management of mixed delirium in a patient placed on ECMO and with difficult sedation: A case report
The early diagnosis and management of mixed delirium in a patient placed on ECMO and with difficult sedation: A case report
Acevedo-Nuevo, M et al
Intensive and Critical Care Nursing, Article in Press
Delirium represents a serious problem that impacts the physical and cognitive prognosis of patients admitted to intensive care units and requires prompt diagnosis and management. This article describes the case and progress of a patient placed on Extracorporeal Membrane Oxygenation with difficult sedation criteria and an early diagnosis of mixed delirium. During the case report, we reflect on the pharmacological and non-pharmacological strategies employed to cope with delirium paying special attention to the non-use of physical restraint measures in order to preserve vital support devices (endotracheal tube or Extracorporeal Membrane Oxygenation cannula).
Acevedo-Nuevo, M et al
Intensive and Critical Care Nursing, Article in Press
Delirium represents a serious problem that impacts the physical and cognitive prognosis of patients admitted to intensive care units and requires prompt diagnosis and management. This article describes the case and progress of a patient placed on Extracorporeal Membrane Oxygenation with difficult sedation criteria and an early diagnosis of mixed delirium. During the case report, we reflect on the pharmacological and non-pharmacological strategies employed to cope with delirium paying special attention to the non-use of physical restraint measures in order to preserve vital support devices (endotracheal tube or Extracorporeal Membrane Oxygenation cannula).
Intubation-associated pneumonia: An integrative review
Intubation-associated pneumonia: An integrative review
Sabrina Sousa, A et al
Intensive and Critical Care Nursing, Article in Press
Objective
This article aims to characterise intubation-associated pneumonia regarding its diagnosis, causes, risk factors, consequences and incidence.
Research methodology
Integrative literature review using database Pubmed and B-on and webpages of organisations dedicated to this area of study.
Setting
The research took place between May and July 2015. After selection of the articles, according to established criteria, their quality was assessed and 17 documents were included.
Results
Evidence has demonstrated that intubation associated pneumonia has a multifactorial aetiology and one of its main causes is micro-aspiration of gastric and oropharynx contents. Risk factors can be internal or external. The diagnostic criteria are based on clinical, radiological and microbiological data, established by several organisations, including the European Centres for Disease Control and Prevention, which are, however, still not accurate. In recent years, there has been a downward trend in the incidence in Europe. Nevertheless, it continues to have significant economic impact, as well as affecting health and human lives.
Conclusions
Several European countries are committed to addressing this phenomenon through infection control and microbial resistance programmes; however there is a much to be done in order to minimise its effects. The lack of consensus in the literature regarding diagnosis criteria, risk factors and incidence rates is a limitation of this study.
Sabrina Sousa, A et al
Intensive and Critical Care Nursing, Article in Press
Objective
This article aims to characterise intubation-associated pneumonia regarding its diagnosis, causes, risk factors, consequences and incidence.
Research methodology
Integrative literature review using database Pubmed and B-on and webpages of organisations dedicated to this area of study.
Setting
The research took place between May and July 2015. After selection of the articles, according to established criteria, their quality was assessed and 17 documents were included.
Results
Evidence has demonstrated that intubation associated pneumonia has a multifactorial aetiology and one of its main causes is micro-aspiration of gastric and oropharynx contents. Risk factors can be internal or external. The diagnostic criteria are based on clinical, radiological and microbiological data, established by several organisations, including the European Centres for Disease Control and Prevention, which are, however, still not accurate. In recent years, there has been a downward trend in the incidence in Europe. Nevertheless, it continues to have significant economic impact, as well as affecting health and human lives.
Conclusions
Several European countries are committed to addressing this phenomenon through infection control and microbial resistance programmes; however there is a much to be done in order to minimise its effects. The lack of consensus in the literature regarding diagnosis criteria, risk factors and incidence rates is a limitation of this study.
The Impact of Mortality on Total Costs Within the ICU
The Impact of Mortality on Total Costs Within the ICU
Kramer, A A et al
Critical Care Medicine: September 2017 - Volume 45 - Issue 9 - p 1457–1463
Objectives: The high cost of critical care has engendered research into identifying influential factors. However, existing studies have not considered patient vital status at ICU discharge. This study sought to determine the effect of mortality upon the total cost of an ICU stay. Design: Retrospective cohort study.
Setting: Twenty-six ICUs at 13 hospitals in the United States. Patients: 58,344 admissions from January 1, 2012, to June 30, 2016, obtained from a commercial ICU database. Interventions: None.
Measurements and Main Results: The median observed cost of a unit stay was $9,619 (mean = $16,353). A multivariable regression model was developed on the log of total costs for a unit stay, using severity of illness, unit admitting diagnosis, mortality in the unit, daily unit occupancy (occupying a bed at midnight), and length of mechanical ventilation. This model had an r2 of 0.67 and a median difference between observed and expected costs of $437. The first few days of care and the first day receiving mechanical ventilation had the largest effect on total costs. Patients dying before unit discharge had 12.4% greater costs than survivors (p < 0.01; 99% CI = 9.3–15.5%) after multivariable adjustment. This effect was most pronounced for patients with an extended ICU stay who were receiving mechanical ventilation.
Conclusions: While the largest drivers of ICU costs at the patient level are day 1 room occupancy and day 1 mechanical ventilation, mortality before unit discharge is associated with substantially higher costs. The increase was most evident for patients with an extended ICU stay who were receiving mechanical ventilation. Studies evaluating costs among ICUs need to take mortality into account.
Kramer, A A et al
Critical Care Medicine: September 2017 - Volume 45 - Issue 9 - p 1457–1463
Objectives: The high cost of critical care has engendered research into identifying influential factors. However, existing studies have not considered patient vital status at ICU discharge. This study sought to determine the effect of mortality upon the total cost of an ICU stay. Design: Retrospective cohort study.
Setting: Twenty-six ICUs at 13 hospitals in the United States. Patients: 58,344 admissions from January 1, 2012, to June 30, 2016, obtained from a commercial ICU database. Interventions: None.
Measurements and Main Results: The median observed cost of a unit stay was $9,619 (mean = $16,353). A multivariable regression model was developed on the log of total costs for a unit stay, using severity of illness, unit admitting diagnosis, mortality in the unit, daily unit occupancy (occupying a bed at midnight), and length of mechanical ventilation. This model had an r2 of 0.67 and a median difference between observed and expected costs of $437. The first few days of care and the first day receiving mechanical ventilation had the largest effect on total costs. Patients dying before unit discharge had 12.4% greater costs than survivors (p < 0.01; 99% CI = 9.3–15.5%) after multivariable adjustment. This effect was most pronounced for patients with an extended ICU stay who were receiving mechanical ventilation.
Conclusions: While the largest drivers of ICU costs at the patient level are day 1 room occupancy and day 1 mechanical ventilation, mortality before unit discharge is associated with substantially higher costs. The increase was most evident for patients with an extended ICU stay who were receiving mechanical ventilation. Studies evaluating costs among ICUs need to take mortality into account.
A Technique of Awake Bronchoscopic Endotracheal Intubation for Respiratory Failure in Patients With Right Heart Failure and Pulmonary Hypertension
A Technique of Awake Bronchoscopic Endotracheal Intubation for Respiratory Failure in Patients With Right Heart Failure and Pulmonary Hypertension
Johannes, J et al
Critical Care Medicine: September 2017 - Volume 45 - Issue 9 - p e980–e984
Objective: Patients with pulmonary hypertension and right heart failure have a high risk of clinical deterioration and death during or soon after endotracheal intubation. The effects of sedation, hypoxia, hypoventilation, and changes in intrathoracic pressure can lead to severe hemodynamic instability. In search for safer approach to endotracheal intubation in this cohort of patients, we evaluate the safety and feasibility of an alternative intubation technique. Data Sources: Retrospective data analysis. Study Selection: Two medical ICUs in large university hospitals in the United States. Data Extraction: We report a case series of nine nonconsecutive patients with compromised right heart function, pulmonary hypertension, and severe acute hypoxemic respiratory failure who underwent endotracheal intubation with a novel technique combining awake bronchoscopic intubation supported with nasally delivered noninvasive positive pressure ventilation or high-flow nasal cannula. Data Synthesis: All patients were intubated in the first attempt without major complications and eight patients (88%) were alive 24 hours after intubation. Systemic hypotension was the most frequent complication following the procedure. Conclusions: Awake bronchoscopic intubation supported with a noninvasive positive pressure delivery systems may be feasible alternative to standard direct laryngoscopy approach. Further studies are needed to better assess its safety and applicability.
Johannes, J et al
Critical Care Medicine: September 2017 - Volume 45 - Issue 9 - p e980–e984
Objective: Patients with pulmonary hypertension and right heart failure have a high risk of clinical deterioration and death during or soon after endotracheal intubation. The effects of sedation, hypoxia, hypoventilation, and changes in intrathoracic pressure can lead to severe hemodynamic instability. In search for safer approach to endotracheal intubation in this cohort of patients, we evaluate the safety and feasibility of an alternative intubation technique. Data Sources: Retrospective data analysis. Study Selection: Two medical ICUs in large university hospitals in the United States. Data Extraction: We report a case series of nine nonconsecutive patients with compromised right heart function, pulmonary hypertension, and severe acute hypoxemic respiratory failure who underwent endotracheal intubation with a novel technique combining awake bronchoscopic intubation supported with nasally delivered noninvasive positive pressure ventilation or high-flow nasal cannula. Data Synthesis: All patients were intubated in the first attempt without major complications and eight patients (88%) were alive 24 hours after intubation. Systemic hypotension was the most frequent complication following the procedure. Conclusions: Awake bronchoscopic intubation supported with a noninvasive positive pressure delivery systems may be feasible alternative to standard direct laryngoscopy approach. Further studies are needed to better assess its safety and applicability.
Preventing Harm in the ICU—Building a Culture of Safety and Engaging Patients and Families
Preventing Harm in the ICU—Building a Culture of Safety and Engaging Patients and Families
Thornton, K C et al
Critical Care Medicine: September 2017 - Volume 45 - Issue 9 - p 1531–1537
Objective: Preventing harm remains a persistent challenge in the ICU despite evidence-based practices known to reduce the prevalence of adverse events. This review seeks to describe the critical role of safety culture and patient and family engagement in successful quality improvement initiatives in the ICU. We review the evidence supporting the impact of safety culture and provide practical guidance for those wishing to implement initiatives aimed at improving safety culture and more effectively integrate patients and families in such efforts.
Data Sources: Literature review using PubMed including evaluation of key studies assessing large-scale quality improvement efforts in the ICU, impact of safety culture on patient outcomes, methodologies for quality improvement commonly used in healthcare, and patient and family engagement. Print and web-based resources from leading patient safety organizations were also searched. Study Selection: Our group completed a review of original studies, review articles, book chapters, and recommendations from leading patient safety organizations.
Data Extraction: Our group determined by consensus which resources would best inform this review.
Data Synthesis: A strong safety culture is associated with reduced adverse events, lower mortality rates, and lower costs. Quality improvement efforts have been shown to be more effective and sustainable when paired with a strong safety culture. Different methodologies exist for quality improvement in the ICU; a thoughtful approach to implementation that engages frontline providers and administrative leadership is essential for success. Efforts to substantively include patients and families in the processes of quality improvement work in the ICU should be expanded. Conclusions: Efforts to establish a culture of safety and meaningfully engage patients and families should form the foundation for all safety interventions in the ICU. This review describes an approach that integrates components of several proven quality improvement methodologies to enhance safety culture in the ICU and highlights opportunities to include patients and families.
Thornton, K C et al
Critical Care Medicine: September 2017 - Volume 45 - Issue 9 - p 1531–1537
Objective: Preventing harm remains a persistent challenge in the ICU despite evidence-based practices known to reduce the prevalence of adverse events. This review seeks to describe the critical role of safety culture and patient and family engagement in successful quality improvement initiatives in the ICU. We review the evidence supporting the impact of safety culture and provide practical guidance for those wishing to implement initiatives aimed at improving safety culture and more effectively integrate patients and families in such efforts.
Data Sources: Literature review using PubMed including evaluation of key studies assessing large-scale quality improvement efforts in the ICU, impact of safety culture on patient outcomes, methodologies for quality improvement commonly used in healthcare, and patient and family engagement. Print and web-based resources from leading patient safety organizations were also searched. Study Selection: Our group completed a review of original studies, review articles, book chapters, and recommendations from leading patient safety organizations.
Data Extraction: Our group determined by consensus which resources would best inform this review.
Data Synthesis: A strong safety culture is associated with reduced adverse events, lower mortality rates, and lower costs. Quality improvement efforts have been shown to be more effective and sustainable when paired with a strong safety culture. Different methodologies exist for quality improvement in the ICU; a thoughtful approach to implementation that engages frontline providers and administrative leadership is essential for success. Efforts to substantively include patients and families in the processes of quality improvement work in the ICU should be expanded. Conclusions: Efforts to establish a culture of safety and meaningfully engage patients and families should form the foundation for all safety interventions in the ICU. This review describes an approach that integrates components of several proven quality improvement methodologies to enhance safety culture in the ICU and highlights opportunities to include patients and families.
Statin and Its Association With Delirium in the Medical ICU
Statin and Its Association With Delirium in the Medical ICU
Statin and Its Association With Delirium in the Medical ICU
Mather, J F. et al
Critical Care Medicine: September 2017 - Volume 45 - Issue 9 - p 1515–1522
Objectives: To examine the association between statin use and the risk of delirium in hospitalized patients with an admission to the medical ICU. Design: Retrospective propensity-matched cohort analysis with accrual from September 1, 2012, to September 30, 2015. Setting: Hartford Hospital, Hartford, CT. Patients: An initial population of patients with an admission to a medical ICU totaling 10,216 visits were screened for delirium by means of the Confusion Assessment Method. After exclusions, a population of 6,664 was used to match statin users and nonstatin users. The propensity-matched cohort resulted in a sample of 1,475 patients receiving statin matched 1:1 with control patients not using statin. Interventions: None. Measurements and Main Results: Delirium defined as a positive Confusion Assessment Method assessment was the primary end point. The prevalence of delirium was 22.3% in the unmatched cohort and 22.8% in the propensity-matched cohort. Statin use was associated with a significant decrease in the risk of delirium (odds ratio, 0.47; 95% CI, 0.38–0.56). Considering the type of statin used, atorvastatin (0.51; 0.41–0.64), pravastatin (0.40; 0.28–0.58), and simvastatin (0.33; 0.21–0.52) were all significantly associated with a reduced frequency of delirium. Conclusions: The use of statins was independently associated with a reduction in the risk of delirium in hospitalized patients. When considering types of statins used, this reduction was significant in patients using atorvastatin, pravastatin, and simvastatin. Randomized trials of various statin types in hospitalized patients prone to delirium should validate their use in protection from delirium.
Statin and Its Association With Delirium in the Medical ICU
Mather, J F. et al
Critical Care Medicine: September 2017 - Volume 45 - Issue 9 - p 1515–1522
Objectives: To examine the association between statin use and the risk of delirium in hospitalized patients with an admission to the medical ICU. Design: Retrospective propensity-matched cohort analysis with accrual from September 1, 2012, to September 30, 2015. Setting: Hartford Hospital, Hartford, CT. Patients: An initial population of patients with an admission to a medical ICU totaling 10,216 visits were screened for delirium by means of the Confusion Assessment Method. After exclusions, a population of 6,664 was used to match statin users and nonstatin users. The propensity-matched cohort resulted in a sample of 1,475 patients receiving statin matched 1:1 with control patients not using statin. Interventions: None. Measurements and Main Results: Delirium defined as a positive Confusion Assessment Method assessment was the primary end point. The prevalence of delirium was 22.3% in the unmatched cohort and 22.8% in the propensity-matched cohort. Statin use was associated with a significant decrease in the risk of delirium (odds ratio, 0.47; 95% CI, 0.38–0.56). Considering the type of statin used, atorvastatin (0.51; 0.41–0.64), pravastatin (0.40; 0.28–0.58), and simvastatin (0.33; 0.21–0.52) were all significantly associated with a reduced frequency of delirium. Conclusions: The use of statins was independently associated with a reduction in the risk of delirium in hospitalized patients. When considering types of statins used, this reduction was significant in patients using atorvastatin, pravastatin, and simvastatin. Randomized trials of various statin types in hospitalized patients prone to delirium should validate their use in protection from delirium.
The Impact of the Sepsis-3 Septic Shock Definition on Previously Defined Septic Shock Patients
The Impact of the Sepsis-3 Septic Shock Definition on Previously Defined Septic Shock Patients
Sterling, S A. et al
Critical Care Medicine: September 2017 - Volume 45 - Issue 9 - p 1436–1442
Objective: The Third International Consensus Definitions Task Force (Sepsis-3) recently recommended changes to the definitions of sepsis. The impact of these changes remains unclear. Our objective was to determine the outcomes of patients meeting Sepsis-3 septic shock criteria versus patients meeting the “old” (1991) criteria of septic shock only. Design: Secondary analysis of two clinical trials of early septic shock resuscitation.
Setting: Large academic emergency departments in the United States. Patients: Patients with suspected infection, more than or equal to two systemic inflammatory response syndrome criteria, and systolic blood pressure less than 90 mm Hg after fluid resuscitation. Interventions: Patients were further categorized as Sepsis-3 septic shock if they demonstrated hypotension, received vasopressors, and exhibited a lactate greater than 2 mmol/L. We compared in-hospital mortality in patients who met the old definition only with those who met the Sepsis-3 criteria. Measurements and Main
Results: Four hundred seventy patients were included in the present analysis. Two hundred (42.5%) met Sepsis-3 criteria, whereas 270 (57.4%) met only the old definition. Patients meeting Sepsis-3 criteria demonstrated higher severity of illness by Sequential Organ Failure Assessment score (9 vs 5; p < 0.001) and mortality (29% vs 14%; p < 0.001). Subgroup analysis of 127 patients meeting only the old definition demonstrated significant mortality benefit following implementation of a quantitative resuscitation protocol (35% vs 10%; p = 0.006).
Conclusion: In this analysis, 57% of patients meeting old definition for septic shock did not meet Sepsis-3 criteria. Although Sepsis-3 criteria identified a group of patients with increased organ failure and higher mortality, those patients who met the old criteria and not Sepsis-3 criteria still demonstrated significant organ failure and 14% mortality rate.
Clinical Practice Guideline: Safe Medication Use in the ICU
Clinical Practice Guideline: Safe Medication Use in the ICU
Kane-Gill, S L et al
Critical Care Medicine: September 2017 - Volume 45 - Issue 9 - p e877–e915
Objective: To provide ICU clinicians with evidence-based guidance on safe medication use practices for the critically ill. Data Sources: PubMed, Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews, Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials, CINAHL, Scopus, and ISI Web of Science for relevant material to December 2015.
Study Selection: Based on three key components: 1) environment and patients, 2) the medication use process, and 3) the patient safety surveillance system. The committee collectively developed Population, Intervention, Comparator, Outcome questions and quality of evidence statements pertaining to medication errors and adverse drug events addressing the key components. A total of 34 Population, Intervention, Comparator, Outcome questions, five quality of evidence statements, and one commentary on disclosure was developed.
Data Extraction: Subcommittee members were assigned selected Population, Intervention, Comparator, Outcome questions or quality of evidence statements. Subcommittee members completed their Grading of Recommendations Assessment, Development, and Evaluation of the question with his/her quality of evidence assessment and proposed strength of recommendation, then the draft was reviewed by the relevant subcommittee. The subcommittee collectively reviewed the evidence profiles for each question they developed. After the draft was discussed and approved by the entire committee, then the document was circulated among all members for voting on the quality of evidence and strength of recommendation.
Data Synthesis: The committee followed the principles of the Grading of Recommendations Assessment, Development, and Evaluation system to determine quality of evidence and strength of recommendations. Conclusions: This guideline evaluates the ICU environment as a risk for medication-related events and the environmental changes that are possible to improve safe medication use. Prevention strategies for medication-related events are reviewed by medication use process node (prescribing, distribution, administration, monitoring). Detailed considerations to an active surveillance system that includes reporting, identification, and evaluation are discussed. Also, highlighted is the need for future research for safe medication practices that is specific to critically ill patients.
Kane-Gill, S L et al
Critical Care Medicine: September 2017 - Volume 45 - Issue 9 - p e877–e915
Objective: To provide ICU clinicians with evidence-based guidance on safe medication use practices for the critically ill. Data Sources: PubMed, Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews, Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials, CINAHL, Scopus, and ISI Web of Science for relevant material to December 2015.
Study Selection: Based on three key components: 1) environment and patients, 2) the medication use process, and 3) the patient safety surveillance system. The committee collectively developed Population, Intervention, Comparator, Outcome questions and quality of evidence statements pertaining to medication errors and adverse drug events addressing the key components. A total of 34 Population, Intervention, Comparator, Outcome questions, five quality of evidence statements, and one commentary on disclosure was developed.
Data Extraction: Subcommittee members were assigned selected Population, Intervention, Comparator, Outcome questions or quality of evidence statements. Subcommittee members completed their Grading of Recommendations Assessment, Development, and Evaluation of the question with his/her quality of evidence assessment and proposed strength of recommendation, then the draft was reviewed by the relevant subcommittee. The subcommittee collectively reviewed the evidence profiles for each question they developed. After the draft was discussed and approved by the entire committee, then the document was circulated among all members for voting on the quality of evidence and strength of recommendation.
Data Synthesis: The committee followed the principles of the Grading of Recommendations Assessment, Development, and Evaluation system to determine quality of evidence and strength of recommendations. Conclusions: This guideline evaluates the ICU environment as a risk for medication-related events and the environmental changes that are possible to improve safe medication use. Prevention strategies for medication-related events are reviewed by medication use process node (prescribing, distribution, administration, monitoring). Detailed considerations to an active surveillance system that includes reporting, identification, and evaluation are discussed. Also, highlighted is the need for future research for safe medication practices that is specific to critically ill patients.
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