scholarly journals Impact of a pharmacist intervention at an intensive care rehabilitation clinic

2019 ◽  
Vol 8 (3) ◽  
pp. e000580 ◽  
Author(s):  
Pamela MacTavish ◽  
Tara Quasim ◽  
Martin Shaw ◽  
Helen Devine ◽  
Malcolm Daniel ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Critical Care ◽  
Intensive Care ◽  
Tertiary Care ◽  
Service Evaluation ◽  
Pharmacist Intervention ◽  
Limited Information ◽  
Care Providers ◽  
Critical Care Admission ◽  
Specific Medication

ObjectiveWhile disruptions in medications are common among patients who survive critical illness, there is limited information about specific medication-related problems among survivors of critical care. This study sought to determine the prevalence of specific medication-related problems detected in patients, seen after critical care discharge.DesignConsecutive patients attending an intensive care unit (ICU) follow-up programme were included in this single-centre service evaluation.SettingTertiary care regional centre in Scotland (UK).Participants47 patients reviewed after critical care discharge at an ICU follow-up programme.InterventionsPharmacists conducted a full medication review, including: medicines reconciliation, assessing the appropriateness of each prescribed medication, identification of any medication-related problems and checking adherence.MeasurementsMedication-related problems in patients following critical care discharge. Interventions and medication-related problems were systematically graded and risk factors were identified using an adapted version of the National Patient Safety Agency Risk Matrix.Main results69 medication-related problems were identified in 38 (81%) of the 47 patients. The most common documented problem was drug omission (29%). 64% of the medication-related problems identified were classified as either moderate or major. The number of pain medications prescribed at discharge from intensive care was predictive of medication-related problems (OR 2.02, 95% CI 1.14 to 4.26, p=0.03).ConclusionsMedication problems are common following critical care. Better communication of medication changes both to patients and their ongoing care providers may be beneficial following a critical care admission. In the absence of highly effective communication, a pharmacy intervention may contribute substantially to an intensive care rehabilitation or recovery programme.

Outpatient Follow-up Care After Hospital Discharge of Children With Complex Chronic Conditions at a Rural Tertiary Care Hospital

2021 ◽  
pp. 000992282110472
Author(s):  
Andrew Brown ◽  
Mary Quaile ◽  
Hannah Morris ◽  
Dmitry Tumin ◽  
Clayten L. Parker ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Intensive Care Unit ◽  
Intensive Care ◽  
Hospital Discharge ◽  
Care Coordination ◽  
Chronic Conditions ◽  
Tertiary Care ◽  
Care Hospital ◽  
Icu Admission ◽  
Complex Chronic Conditions

Objective To determine factors associated with completion of recommended outpatient follow-up visits in children with complex chronic conditions (CCCs) following hospital discharge. Methods We retrospectively identified children aged 1 to 17 years diagnosed with a CCC who were discharged from our rural tertiary care children’s hospital between 2017 and 2018 with a diagnosis meeting published CCC criteria. Patients discharged from the neonatal intensive care unit and patients enrolled in a care coordination program for technology-dependent children were excluded. Results Of 113 eligible patients, 77 (68%) had outpatient follow-up consistent with discharge instructions. Intensive care unit (ICU) admission ( P = .020) and prolonged length of stay ( P = .004) were associated with decreased likelihood of completing recommended follow-up. Conclusions Among children with CCCs who were not already enrolled in a care coordination program, ICU admission was associated with increased risk of not completing recommended outpatient follow-up. This population could be targeted for expanded care coordination efforts.

scholarly journals Quality improvement of delirium status communication and documentation for intensive care unit patients during daily multidisciplinary rounds

2018 ◽  
Vol 7 (2) ◽  
pp. e000239 ◽  
Author(s):  
Krishna Aparanji ◽  
Shreedhar Kulkarni ◽  
Megan Metzke ◽  
Yvonne Schmudde ◽  
Peter White ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Intensive Care Unit ◽  
Critical Care ◽  
Intensive Care ◽  
Tertiary Care ◽  
Care Hospital ◽  
Icu Patients ◽  
Quality Metric ◽  
Risk Of Mortality ◽  
Simulation Based ◽  
Multidisciplinary Rounds

Delirium is a key quality metric identified by The Society of Critical Care Medicine for intensive care unit (ICU) patients. If not recognised early, delirium can lead to increased length of stay, hospital and societal costs, ventilator days and risk of mortality. Clinical practice guidelines recommend ICU patients be assessed for delirium at least once per shift. An initial audit at our urban tertiary care hospital in Illinois, USA determined that delirium assessments were only being performed 31% of the time. Nurses completed simulation based education and were trained using delirium screening videos. After the educational sessions, delirium documentation increased from 40% (12/30) to 69% (41/59) (two-proportion test, p<0.01) for dayshift nurses and from 27% (8/30) to 61% (36/59) (two-proportion test, p<0.01) during the nightshift. To further increase the frequency of delirium assessments, the delirium screening tool was standardised and a critical care progress note was implemented that included a section on delirium status, management strategy and discussion on rounds. After the documentation changes were implemented, delirium screening during dayshift increased to 93% (75/81) (two-proportion test, p<0.01). Prior to this project, physicians were not required to document delirium screening. After the standardised critical care note was implemented, documentation by physicians was 95% (106/111). Standardising delirium documentation, communication of delirium status on rounds, in addition to education, improved delirium screening compliance for ICU patients.

scholarly journals Family Behaviors as Unchanging Obstacles in End-of-Life Care: 16-Year Comparative Data

2020 ◽  
Vol 29 (4) ◽  
pp. e81-e91
Author(s):  
Renea L. Beckstrand ◽  
Jasmine B. Jenkins ◽  
Karlen E. Luthy ◽  
Janelle L. B. Macintosh
Keyword(s):  
Intensive Care Unit ◽  
Critical Care ◽  
Intensive Care ◽  
End Of Life ◽  
Health Care Providers ◽  
End Of Life Care ◽  
Critical Care Nurses ◽  
Life Care ◽  
Care Providers ◽  
Over Time

Background Critical care nurses routinely care for dying patients. Research on obstacles in providing end-of-life care has been conducted for more than 20 years, but change in such obstacles over time has not been examined. Objective To determine whether the magnitude scores of obstacles and helpful behaviors regarding end-of-life care have changed over time. Methods In this cross-sectional survey study, questionnaires were sent to 2000 randomly selected members of the American Association of Critical-Care Nurses. Obstacle and helpful behavior items were analyzed using mean magnitude scores. Current data were compared with data gathered in 1999. Results Of the 2000 questionnaires mailed, 509 usable responses were received. Six obstacle magnitude scores increased significantly over time, of which 4 were related to family issues (not accepting the poor prognosis, intrafamily fighting, overriding the patient’s end-of-life wishes, and not understanding the meaning of the term lifesaving measures). Two were related to nurse issues. Seven obstacles decreased in magnitude, including poor design of units, overly restrictive visiting hours, and physicians avoiding conversations with families. Four helpful behavior magnitude scores increased significantly over time, including physician agreement on patient care and family access to the patient. Three helpful behavior items decreased in magnitude, including intensive care unit design. Conclusions The same end-of-life care obstacles that were reported in 1999 are still present. Obstacles related to family behaviors increased significantly, whereas obstacles related to intensive care unit environment or physician behaviors decreased significantly. These results indicate a need for better end-of-life education for families and health care providers.

scholarly journals Evaluation of Aetiology and Outcome of Acute Kidney Injury in a Tertiary Care Hospital of India- A Prospective Observational Study

2020 ◽  
Author(s):  
VS Gaurav Narayan ◽  
SG Ramya ◽  
Sonal Rajesh Kumar ◽  
SK Nellaiappa Ganesan
Keyword(s):  
Acute Kidney Injury ◽  
Intensive Care ◽  
Observational Study ◽  
Prospective Observational Study ◽  
Tertiary Care ◽  
Kidney Injury ◽  
Rapid Decline ◽  
Care Hospital ◽  
Medical Intensive Care

Introduction: The Acute Kidney Injury (AKI) is a rapid decline in renal filtration function. The aetiological spectrum, prevalence of AKI and outcome is highly variable. This variation exists due to the difference in the criteria used, study population and demographic features. Huge differences are noted when AKI is compared in developing and developed countries. Hence, it is important to analyse the spectrum of AKI to facilitate earlier diagnosis and treatment which shall help in improving the outcome. Aim: To study the prevalence, aetiology and outcome of AKI in the medical intensive care. Materials and Methods: This was a prospective observational study conducted in a medical intensive care for 18 months where 1490 patients were screened and 403 patients were included as AKI by KDIGO criteria. History, examination, appropriate investigations and treatment details including dialysis were noted. The serum creatinine levels were obtained every day, to know the time of onset of AKI, at the time of death or discharge, and after one month for patients who turned up for follow-up. Patients were categorised based on outcome as survivors and nonsurvivors. Survivors were divided into as fully recovered and partially recovered and those who left the Intensive Care Unit (ICU) against medical advice were termed as lost to follow-up. Results: A total of 403 patients (27.04% of 1490) of medical intensive care admissions were found to have AKI. Sepsis was the most common cause of AKI. At the end of the month, 78.4% of AKI patients fully recovered, 1.2% partially recovered and the mortality was 14.9%. Mortality was higher in AKI associated with chronic medical conditions like cardiac failure, chronic liver disease and stroke. Conclusion: If treated early, AKI is mostly reversible. Regional differences in AKI should be studied extensively and local guidelines should be formulated by experts for prevention and early treatment, to improve the disease outcome.

scholarly journals Critical Care Pharmacists and Medication Management in an ICU Recovery Center

2018 ◽  
Vol 52 (8) ◽  
pp. 713-723 ◽  
Author(s):  
Joanna L. Stollings ◽  
Sarah L. Bloom ◽  
Li Wang ◽  
E. Wesley Ely ◽  
James C. Jackson ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Critical Care ◽  
Intensive Care ◽  
Critical Illness ◽  
Influenza Vaccination ◽  
Medication Review ◽  
Preventive Measures ◽  
Tertiary Care ◽  
Pneumococcal Vaccination ◽  
Median Number ◽  
Drug Event

Background: Many patients experience complications following critical illness; these are now widely referred to as post–intensive care syndrome (PICS). An interprofessional intensive care unit (ICU) recovery center (ICU-RC), also known as a PICS clinic, is one potential approach to promoting patient and family recovery following critical illness. Objectives: To describe the role of an ICU-RC critical care pharmacist in identifying and treating medication-related problems among ICU survivors. Methods: A prospective, observational cohort study was conducted of all outpatient appointments of a tertiary care hospital’s ICU-RC between July 2012 and December 2015. The pharmacist completed a full medication review, including medication reconciliation, interview, counseling, and resultant interventions, during the ICU-RC appointment. Results: Data from all completed ICU-RC visits were analyzed (n = 62). A full medication review was performed in 56 (90%) of these patients by the pharmacist. The median number of pharmacy interventions per patient was 4 (interquartile range = 2, 5). All 56 patients had at least 1 pharmacy intervention; 22 (39%) patients had medication(s) stopped at the clinic appointment, and 18 (32%) patients had new medication(s) started. The pharmacist identified 9 (16%) patients who had an adverse drug event (ADE); 18 (32%) patients had ADE preventive measures instituted. An influenza vaccination was administered to 13 (23%) patients despite an inpatient protocol to ensure influenza vaccination prior to discharge. A pneumococcal vaccination was administered to 2 (4%) patients. Conclusions: Use of a critical care pharmacist resulted in the identification and treatment of multiple medication-related problems in an ICU-RC as well as implementation of preventive measures.

Spiritual care for the critically ill

1995 ◽  
Vol 4 (1) ◽  
pp. 77-81 ◽  
Author(s):  
C Clark ◽  
T Heidenreich
Keyword(s):  
Critical Care ◽  
Intensive Care ◽  
Spiritual Care ◽  
Well Being ◽  
Nursing Interventions ◽  
Negative Feeling ◽  
Technical Competence ◽  
Care Providers ◽  
Spiritual Assessment ◽  
Spiritual Well Being

BACKGROUND: Spiritual well-being is the center of a healthy lifestyle and enables holistic integration of one's inner resources. However, the professional education process does not adequately provide socialization of nurses in the provision of spiritual care. Few studies exist that adequately address the spiritual aspect of nursing care. PURPOSE: To identify factors that contribute to providing spiritual care for patients in intensive care units. METHODS: A descriptive research design was used for this replication study conducted on a convenience sample of 63 patients in the critical care unit of a large midwestern military hospital. A trained interviewer asked each participant three open-ended questions regarding events that had created hope or meaning, created negative feeling, and could have contributed to hope or meaning. The interview took place 1 to 2 days after discharge from the intensive care unit. Predominant patterns were determined by content analysis. RESULTS: Three themes were identified as integral to the spiritual well-being of critical care patients: care providers, family/friends, and religion/faith. Nursing interventions identified for the three themes include establishing trusting relationships, providing in-depth spiritual assessment, conveying technical competence, and acting as facilitator among family, clergy, and other providers. CONCLUSIONS: We conclude that the key nursing interventions derived from this study include listening to patients' concerns and maintaining and conveying technical competence.

scholarly journals The Impact of Changes to an Electronic Admission Order Set on Prescribing and Clinical Outcomes in the Intensive Care Unit

2020 ◽  
Vol 11 (01) ◽  
pp. 182-189
Author(s):  
Ellen T. Muniga ◽  
Todd A. Walroth ◽  
Natalie C. Washburn
Keyword(s):  
Intensive Care Unit ◽  
Critical Care ◽  
Intensive Care ◽  
Clinical Outcomes ◽  
Prescribing Patterns ◽  
Number Of Patients ◽  
Order Sets ◽  
Critical Care Admission ◽  
The Impact ◽  
Order Set

Abstract Background Implementation of disease-specific order sets has improved compliance with standards of care for a variety of diseases. Evidence of the impact admission order sets can have on care is limited. Objective The main purpose of this article is to evaluate the impact of changes made to an electronic critical care admission order set on provider prescribing patterns and clinical outcomes. Methods A retrospective, observational before-and-after exploratory study was performed on adult patients admitted to the medical intensive care unit using the Inpatient Critical Care Admission Order Set. The primary outcome measure was the percentage change in the number of orders for scheduled acetaminophen, a histamine-2 receptor antagonist (H2RA), and lactated ringers at admission before implementation of the revised order set compared with after implementation. Secondary outcomes assessed clinical impact of changes made to the order set. Results The addition of a different dosing strategy for a medication already available on the order set (scheduled acetaminophen vs. as needed acetaminophen) had no impact on physician prescribing (0 vs. 0%, p = 1.000). The addition of a new medication class (an H2RA) to the order set significantly increased the number of patients prescribed an H2RA for stress ulcer prophylaxis (0 vs. 20%, p < 0.001). Rearranging the list of maintenance intravenous fluids to make lactated ringers the first fluid option in place of normal saline significantly decreased the number of orders for lactated ringers (17 vs. 4%, p = 0.005). The order set changes had no significant impact on clinical outcomes such as incidence of transaminitis, gastrointestinal bleed, and acute kidney injury. Conclusion Making changes to an admission order set can impact provider prescribing patterns. The type of change made to the order set, in addition to the specific medication changed, may have an effect on how influential the changes are on prescribing patterns.

Prevalence of Sudden Speechlessness in Critical Care Units

2011 ◽  
Vol 20 (4) ◽  
pp. 439-447 ◽  
Author(s):  
Loris A. Thomas ◽  
Carmen S. Rodriguez
Keyword(s):  
Critical Care ◽  
Tertiary Care Hospital ◽  
Tertiary Care ◽  
Care Hospital ◽  
Hospital Data ◽  
Care Environment ◽  
Critical Care Units ◽  
Clinical Diagnoses ◽  
Unit Characteristic

Sudden speechlessness (SS) is commonly experienced by patients admitted to critical care units. Although literature findings document challenges associated with periods of SS, the prevalence is unknown. The purpose of this study is to determine the prevalence and characteristics of adult SS patients in four critical care units at a university-affiliated tertiary care hospital. Data are collected on 9 randomly selected days over a 4-month period. The daily prevalence of SS ranges from 16% to 24% in each unit. Characteristic data collected includes patient age, gender, medical diagnosis related to SS episode, type of speechlessness, days since SS began, and communication strategies in use. Respiratory intubation related to various clinical diagnoses is the main cause for SS. Use of multiple specific strategies to convey needs during SS periods are identified. Follow-up studies to further define the prevalence of SS in settings beyond the critical care environment are recommended.

scholarly journals Physiotherapy during the Covid-19 pandemic: management of critically ill patients in the ICU and follow-up care

2021 ◽  
Vol 1 (1) ◽  
pp. 1-8
Author(s):  
Clément Médrinal ◽  
Tristan Bonnevie ◽  
Pauline Smondack ◽  
Francis Edouard Gravier ◽  
Marius Lebret ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Intensive Care ◽  
Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome ◽  
Critically Ill ◽  
Critically Ill Patients ◽  
Acute Respiratory Infection ◽  
Care Providers ◽  
Severe Acute Respiratory Infection ◽  
Follow Up Care ◽  
The World

The coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) is caused by the severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) which is responsible for the current pandemic and results in a large number of hospitalizations. This highly contagious disease causes severe acute respiratory infection; thus, many patients require management in intensive care. At a time when there is a high influx of patients with COVID-19 in Intensive Care Units (ICU) all over the world, there is little literature concerning the physiotherapy management of these patients. This article provides information based on the latest evidence to help physiotherapists optimize care, to protect patients and care providers in the ICU, and for follow-up care.

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