Higher Acuity Of Illness Research Articles

Difficult intravenous access as an independent predictor of delayed care and prolonged length of stay in the emergency department.

ObjectivesDifficult intravenous access (DIVA) is common in the emergency department (ED). We investigated the extent to which DIVA is associated with care delay outcomes including time to first laboratory draw, therapies, imaging, and ED disposition.MethodsAn observational retrospective cohort analysis of patients with DIVA treated between 2018 and 2020 at 2 urban academic EDs was performed. DIVA was defined as patients requiring ultrasound‐guided intravenous access placed by physicians or advanced practice providers (APPs) as opposed to landmark‐based intravenous placement by nurses. ED throughput variables and disposition time were compared. We correlated DIVA with time to administration of intravenous pain medications, fluids, imaging contrast, laboratory results, and ED disposition.ResultsA total of 108,256 subjects with 161,122 total encounters were included. DIVA occurred in 4961 (3.1%) of ED visits. Patients with DIVA were more likely to be female (3.5% vs 2.6% for males, odds ratio [OR] 1.34, 95% confidence interval [CI]: 1.27–1.42), self‐identify as black (OR 1.78, 95% CI: 1.66–1.91), and have higher acuity of illness (P < 0.001). Among pediatric patients, DIVA occurred most often in the first year of life at a rate of 3.25%. In adults, DIVA occurred in 2 age peaks; at 35 years (4.02%), and at 63 years (3.44%). In all workflow metrics, the presence of DIVA was associated with significant delays in median time to completion: 50 minutes for pain medication administration, 36 minutes for intravenous fluid administration, 29 minutes for laboratory results, 57 minutes for intravenous contrast administration, and 87 minutes for discharge orders.ConclusionDIVA was associated with increased time to therapies, diagnostic studies, imaging completion, and ED disposition. A more expeditious approach to achieving intravenous access in patients with predicted DIVA could improve ED throughput and patient care overall.

Higher ICU Capacity Strain Is Associated With Increased Acute Mortality in Closed ICUs.

To determine whether patients admitted to an ICU during times of strain, when compared with its own norm (i.e. accommodating a greater number of patients, higher acuity of illness, or frequent turnover), is associated with a higher risk of death in ICUs with closed models of intensivist staffing. We conducted a large, multicenter, observational cohort study. Multilevel mixed effects logistic regression was used to examine relationships for three measures of ICU strain (bed census, severity-weighted bed census, and activity-weighted bed census) on the day of admission with risk-adjusted acute hospital mortality. Pooled case mix and outcome database of adult general ICUs participating in the Intensive Care National Audit and Research Centre Case Mix Programme. The analysis included 149,310 patients admitted to 215 adult general ICUs in 213 hospitals in United Kingdom, Wales, and Northern Ireland. A relative lower strain in ICU capacity as measured by bed census on the calendar day (daytime hours) of admission was associated with decreased risk-adjusted acute hospital mortality (odds ratio, 0.94; 95% CI, 0.90-0.99; p = 0.01), whereas a nonsignificant association was seen between higher strain and increased acute hospital mortality (odds ratio, 1.04; 95% CI, 1.00-1.10; p = 0.07). The relationship between periods of high ICU strain and acute hospital mortality was strongest when bed census was composed of higher acuity patients (odds ratio, 1.05; 95% CI, 1.01-1.10; p = 0.03). No relationship was seen between high strain and ICU mortality. In closed staffing models of care, variations in bed census within individual ICUs was associated with patient's predicted risk of acute hospital mortality, particularly when its standardized bed census consisted of sicker patients.

110. Clinical Outcomes of Patients with Secondary Bacteremia in the Omadacycline Phase 3 Acute Bacterial Skin and Skin Structure Infections and Community-Acquired Bacterial Pneumonia Studies

BackgroundLow serum concentrations of tetracycline antibiotics may raise concerns on their efficacy in patients with secondary bacteremia, especially in comorbid patients and in those with higher acuity of illness. Omadacycline (OMC), an aminomethylcycline antibiotic, showed noninferiority to linezolid (LZD) in two acute bacterial skin and skin structure infections (ABSSSI) studies (Omadacycline in Acute Skin and skin structure Infections Study [OASIS]-1 and -2), or to moxifloxacin (MOX) in a community-acquired bacterial pneumonia (CABP) study (Omadacycline for Pneumonia Treatment In the Community study [OPTIC]). This analysis considers clinical outcomes in patients with secondary bacteremia identified in these studies.MethodsBaseline blood cultures were taken from adult patients enrolled in Phase 3 randomized, double-blind clinical studies of OMC. Patients received ≥1 treatment dose: N = 1,347 ABSSSI (OMC n = 676; LZD n = 671); N = 774 CABP (OMC n = 386; MOX n = 388). Efficacy was evaluated by investigator assessment of clinical response at a post-treatment evaluation (PTE) 7–14 days (ABSSSI) or 5–10 days (CABP) after the last dose.ResultsBacteremia was confirmed in 63 patients (3%) across the three studies. Staphylococcus aureus was the most common pathogen in patients with ABSSSI (N = 30: OMC n/N = 7/13; LZD n/N = 9/17), with a median treatment duration of median 9 days (OMC) and median 10 days (LZD). Streptococcus pneumoniae was the most common pathogen in patients with CABP (N = 33; OMC n/N = 11/15; MOX n/N = 11/18), with a median treatment duration of 11 days (OMC) and 14 days (MOX). Clinical success was numerically comparable between treatment groups within each study (figure) after completion of therapy.ConclusionThe clinical successes of patients receiving OMC for ABSSSI or CABP with secondary bacteremia were comparable to results for LZD and MOX, respectively. Although limited by the small sample size, data from ABSSSI and CABP study patients with secondary bacteremia provide reassurance for the use of OMC. Real-world OMC data in patients with ABSSSI and CABP will be needed to assess outcomes in patients with additional comorbidities and/or higher acuity of illness. Disclosures All authors: No reported disclosures.

Staged Biliary Reconstruction After Orthotopic Liver Transplantation: A Practical Surgical Strategy for High-Acuity Adult Recipients.

Background.Biliary complications (BC) following orthotopic liver transplantation (OLT) is strongly associated with inferior patient outcomes and increased healthcare cost. BC in high-acuity patients can be lethal. While the utility of staged biliary reconstruction after liver transplantation (SBRALT) has been reported in adult and pediatric OLT, biliary outcome data are scarce. We sought to evaluate the clinical utility and outcomes of SBRALT in high-acuity transplant recipients.Methods.We conducted an analysis from our prospective database of 149 adult OLT between January 1, 2012, and September 30, 2017. Mean follow-up was 26 months. Variables were compared for Group I: one-stage OLT with biliary reconstruction (N = 58) versus Group II: SBRALT (N = 91).Results.Compared with Group I, patients in Group II had higher acuity of illness: median model for end-stage liver disease scores (19 vs 35 P = 0.002), requirement for pretransplant intensive care unit (29.3% vs 54.9%, P = 0.022), pretransplant renal replacement therapy (15.5% vs 48.4%), estimated blood loss (2000 vs 4750 mL, P < 0.001), and intraoperative packed red blood cells transfusion (4 vs 10 units, P < 0.001). For Group II, biliary reconstruction was performed between 1 and 6 days after OLT. Hepaticojejunostomy was performed in 8.6% (Group I) and 26.4% (Group II), P = 0.010. For Groups I and II, BC rates (8.6% vs 7.7%, P = 0.955) and 1-year graft failure-free survival rates (89.7% vs 88.2%, P = 0.845) were comparable.Conclusions.Graft failure-free survival and biliary outcomes of SBRALT in high-acuity recipients are excellent and comparable to one-stage OLT for low-risk patients. SBRALT is a practical surgical strategy in complex OLT.

Mother-Infant Separation, High Illness Acuity Admission and Antibiotics Use in Inborn Infants >34 weeks Gestation: A Decade of Experience from a Regional NICU

Introduction: Reducing unnecessary NICU admissions is crucial in minimizing mother-infant separation, enhancing bonding, and promoting successful breastfeeding. Alterations in newborn practices can lead to differences in NICU admission volume and acuity. Variations in California NICU admission rates for infants born at 34 weeks GA or more and antibiotic use are not explained by high illness acuity or proven infection respectively (Schulman JAMA Pediatr 2017, Schulman Pediatrics 2015). Objective: In the context of these variations, we sought to examine …

Mother-Infant Separation, High Illness Acuity Admission and Antibiotics Use in Inborn Infants &amp;gt;34 weeks Gestation: A Decade of Experience from a Regional NICU

Mother-Infant Separation, High Illness Acuity Admission and Antibiotics Use in Inborn Infants &amp;gt;34 weeks Gestation: A Decade of Experience from a Regional NICU

Risk Factors for Recurrent Acute Kidney Injury in a Large Population-Based Cohort

Acute kidney injury (AKI) has numerous sequelae. Repeated episodes of AKI may be an important determinant of adverse outcomes, including chronic kidney disease and death. In a population-based cohort study, we sought to determine the incidence of and predictors for recurrent AKI. Retrospective cohort study. 38,659 hospitalized members of Kaiser Permanente Northern California who experienced an episode of AKI from 2006 to2013. Demographic, clinical, and laboratory data, including baseline kidney function, proteinuria, hemoglobin level, comorbid conditions, and severity of AKI. Incidence and predictors of recurrent AKI. Multivariable Cox proportional hazard regression. 11,048 (28.6%) experienced a second hospitalization complicated by AKI during follow-up (11.2 episodes/100 person-years), with the second episode of AKI occurring a median of 0.6 (interquartile range, 0.2-1.9) years after the first hospitalization. In multivariable analyses, older age, black race, and Hispanic ethnicity were associated with recurrent AKI, along with lower estimated glomerular filtration rate, proteinuria, and anemia. Concomitant conditions, including heart failure, acute coronary syndrome, diabetes, and chronic liver disease, were also multivariable predictors of recurrent AKI. Those who had higher acuity of illness during the initial hospitalization were more likely to have recurrent AKI, but greater AKI severity of the index episode was not independently associated with increased risk for recurrent AKI. In multivariable analysis of matched patients, recurrent AKI was associated with an increased rate of death (HR, 1.66; 95% CI, 1.57-1.77). Analyses were based on clinically available data, rather than protocol-driven timed measurements of kidney function. Recurrent AKI is a common occurrence after a hospitalization complicated by AKI. Based on routinely available patient characteristics, our findings could facilitate identification of the subgroup of patients with AKI who may benefit from more intensive follow-up to potentially avoid recurrent AKI episodes.

Impact of a Transplantation Critical Care Model on Short-Term Outcomes Following Liver Transplantation in High Acuity Patients: A Single-Center Experience

BackgroundOrthotopic liver transplantation (OLT) is the definitive treatment for end-stage liver disease (ESLD). Patients with high acuity ESLD are frequently denied life-saving OLT by transplant centers due to reported inferior outcomes. We sought to analyze the impact of a specialized transplant critical care model (TCCM) on patient access to OLT and survival outcomes in high acuity patients. MethodsFrom January 2009 to December 2016, 122 adults were wait-listed at our transplant center with laboratory Model for ESLD ≥35 or Status I. Outcomes in Era I (prior to TCCM) were compared to Era II (TCCM established October 1, 2012). ResultsEra II (TCCM) led to a significant increase in patients' access to OLT. Frequency and need to seek OLT at another center dropped 4-fold in Era II. Compared to Era I, the majority of patients in Era II required intensive care unit management (22% vs 83%, P < .01) and renal replacement therapy (11% vs 70%, P < .01) prior to OLT. Despite a higher acuity of illness in Era II, 1-year patient survival was comparable (89% Era I, 80% Era II, P = .35). ConclusionImplementation of a specialized TCCM expanded OLT access to high acuity patients, reduced the need to seek higher level of care elsewhere, and achieved excellent short-term post-transplant survival outcomes.

Care home residents admitted to hospital through the emergency pathway: characteristics and associations with inpatient mortality.

Routinely collected hospital information could help to understand the characteristics and outcomes of care home residents admitted to hospital as an emergency. This retrospective 2-year service evaluation included first emergency admissions of any older adult (≥75 years) presenting to Cambridge University Hospital. Routinely collected patient variables were captured by an electronic patient record system. Care home status was established using an official register of care homes. 7.7% of 14,777 admissions were care home residents. They were older, frailer, more likely to be women and have cognitive impairment than those admitted from their own homes. Additionally, 42% presented with an Emergency Department Modified Early Warning Score above the threshold triggering urgent review, compared to 26% of older adults from their own homes. Admission from a care home was associated with higher 30-day inpatient mortality (11.1 vs 5.7%), which persisted after multivariable adjustment (hazard ratio: 1.42; 95% confidence interval: 1.09-1.83; p=0.008). Care home residents admitted to hospital as an emergency have high illness acuity and inpatient mortality.

Abstract P-113: MOBILISATION IN CHILDREN ON EXTRACORPOREAL MEMBRANE OXYGENATION: A LITERATURE REVIEW

Aims & Objectives: Extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (ECMO) in the critical care setting has been associated with immobilisation-related complications and morbidities because bed rest has been the standard of care for patients on ECMO. Several recent articles have discussed the feasibility and safety of providing physiotherapy interventions, including mobilisation for patients with invasive lines, tubes, monitors, and cardiac support devices. These studies have shown that mobilisation can be safe and effective, despite high illness acuity. This literature review aims to examine the research evidence of the feasibility and types of mobilisation for children on ECMO. Methods Research studies conducted between 2012 and 2017 were identified using PubMed, CINHAL, MEDLINE, Google Scholar and the Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews databases using the search terms “extracorporeal membrane oxygenation”, “intensive care”, “paediatric”, “children”, “physiotherapy” and “mobilisation”. Results Seven articles met the inclusion criteria. All articles were case studies and included a total of 11 children aged from 4 to 17 years. Almost all cases reported the use of portable ECMO circuits. Conclusions The case reports demonstrated that coordinated, interdisciplinary team effort can be safely used to ambulate paediatric patients on ECMO. However, careful patient selection is necessary for success and to prevent adverse events. Further research is needed to examine and determine patient selection criteria for mobilising paediatric patients on ECMO. Current evidence is limited to case studies, hence future research should include randomised controlled trials to understand true effectiveness of mobilisation for this population.

Association Between Neonatal Intensive Care Unit Admission Rates and Illness Acuity

Most neonates admitted to a neonatal intensive care unit (NICU) are born at gestational age (GA) of 34 weeks or more. The degree of uniformity of admission criteria for these infants is unclear, particularly at the low-acuity end of the range of conditions warranting admission. To describe variation in NICU admission rates for neonates born at GA of 34 weeks or more and examine whether such variation is associated with high illness acuity or designated facility level of care. Cross-sectional study of 35 921 NICU inborn admissions of GA at 34 weeks or more during calendar year 2015, using a population database of inborn NICU admissions at 130 of the 149 hospitals in California with a NICU. The aggregate service population comprised 358 453 live births. The individual NICU was the unit of observation and analysis. The analysis was stratified by designated facility level of care and correlations with the percentage admissions with high illness acuity were explored. The hypothesis at the outset of the study was that inborn admission rates would correlate positively with the percentage of admissions with high illness acuity. Live birth at GA of 34 weeks or more. Inborn NICU admission rate. Of the total of 358 453 live births at GA of 34 weeks or more, 35 921 infants were admitted to a NICU and accounted for 79.2% of all inborn NICU admissions; 4260 (11.9%) of these admissions met high illness acuity criteria. Inborn admission rates varied 34-fold, from 1.1% to 37.7% of births (median, 9.7%; mean [SD], 10.6% [5.8%]). Percentage with high illness acuity varied 40-fold, from 2.4% to 95% (median, 11.3%; mean, 13.2% [9.9%]). Inborn admission rate correlated inversely with percentage of admissions with high illness acuity (Spearman ρ = -0.3034, P < .001). Among regional NICUs capable of caring for patients with the highest degree of illness and support needs, inborn admission rate did not significantly correlate with percentage of admissions with high illness acuity (Spearman ρ = -0.21, P = .41). Percentage of admissions with high illness acuity does not explain 34-fold variation in NICU inborn admission rates for neonates born at GA of 34 weeks or more. The findings are consistent with a supply-sensitive care component and invite future investigation to clarify the lower-acuity end of the range of conditions considered to warrant neonatal intensive care.

Current state of the art for renal replacement therapy in critically ill patients with acute kidney injury.

Acute kidney injury (AKI) is associated with incremental risk for death and chronic kidney disease and represents a mounting clinical challenge for healthcare professionals. Renal replacement therapy (RRT) use in ICU settings is rising, likely in response to similar trends in AKI, taken together with an ageing population burdened by high prevalence of multi-morbidity and high illness acuity. Numerous features of RRT prescription and delivery are not standardized, nor are they supported from high-quality evidence derived from randomized trials. Despite the publication of rigorous clinical practice guidelines focused on RRT for AKI that are intended to optimize the quality and reliability of RRT in ICU settings, practice patterns and outcomes continue to show significant variability. In this concise review, we aim to summarize new knowledge and recent advances for the provision of RRT for critically ill patients with AKI.

Outcome analysis of continuous intraoperative renal replacement therapy in the highest acuity liver transplant recipients: A single-center experience

Orthotopic liver transplantation is the definitive treatment modality for patients with end-stage liver disease. Pre-orthotopic liver transplantation renal dysfunction has a significant negative influence on outcomes post-orthotopic liver transplantation. Intraoperative renal replacement therapy is an adjunctive therapy to address the metabolic challenges during orthotopic liver transplantation in patients with a high acuity of illness. The impact of intraoperative renal replacement therapy on post-orthotopic liver transplantation outcomes, however, is unclear. From October of 2012 to April of 2016, 96 adult patients underwent orthotopic liver transplantation for end-stage liver disease. Three groups were identified: (1) Group I: patients with pre-orthotopic liver transplantation renal dysfunction who underwent intraoperative renal replacement therapy, (2) Group II: patients with pre-orthotopic liver transplantation renal dysfunction who did not receive intraoperative renal replacement therapy, and (3) Group III: patients with orthotopic liver transplantation without evidence of pretransplant renal dysfunction. At 17.7months follow-up, there was no difference in survival among the study groups. Physiologic model for end-stage liver disease at the time of orthotopic liver transplantation was significantly higher in both groups with renal dysfunction (I=43, II=39) than in Group III (18). Post-orthotopic liver transplantation, 12-month patient survival in Group II was 100%. While the model for end-stage liver disease score at orthotopic liver transplantation was significantly different between Group I and Group III, the 12-month, post-orthotopic liver transplantation patient survival was comparable at 78% vs 88%, respectively. Intraoperative renal replacement therapy is a safe adjunctive therapy during liver transplantation of critically ill patients with renal dysfunction. Identifying patients who require intraoperative renal replacement therapy would improve intraoperative and post-liver transplant survival and may facilitate recovery of native kidney function after transplant.

Research agenda on persistent and unpredictable threat of influenza and emerging respiratory infections: a public health necessity in the Eastern Mediterranean Region

Infectious diseases continue to represent a significant threat to global health security, particularly in the context of increasing globalization, interconnectedness and interdependence. Chief among such threats are influenza viruses and other respiratory pathogens, such as Middle East Respiratory Syndrome coronavirus (MERS-CoV), because of their risk of high transmissibility and acuity of illness. Annual epidemics of seasonal influenza cause an estimated 3-5 million cases of severe illness and more than 500 000 deaths, with the prospect of pandemic influenza viruses causing far greater impact. In addition, the appearance of severe acute respiratory syndrome (SARS) in 2003, widespread and continued outbreaks of avian influenza A (H5N1) since 2004, the H1N1 pandemic in 2009 and emergence of MERS CoV in 2012 reflect the seriousness of public health challenges posed by influenza and emerging respiratory infections.

Outcomes of Patients with Alcohol Withdrawal Syndrome Treated with High-Dose Sedatives and Deferred Intubation.

High doses of sedating drugs are often used to manage critically ill patients with alcohol withdrawal syndrome. To describe outcomes and risks for pneumonia and endotracheal intubation in patients with alcohol withdrawal syndrome treated with high-dose intravenous sedatives and deferred endotracheal intubation. Observational cohort study of consecutive patients treated in the intensive care unit (ICU) of a university-affiliated, community hospital for alcohol withdrawal syndrome, where patients were not routinely intubated to receive high-dose or continuously infused sedating medications. We studied 188 patients hospitalized with alcohol withdrawal syndrome from 2008 through 2012 at one medical center. The mean age (SD) of the subjects was 50.8 ± 9.0 years and their mean ICU admission APACHE (Acute Physiology and Chronic Health Evaluation) II score was 6.2 ± 3.4. Thirty subjects (16%) developed pneumonia, and 38 (20.2%) required intubation. All of the 188 patients received lorazepam (median total dose, 42.5 mg), and 170 of 188 received midazolam, all but 2 by continuous intravenous infusion (median total dose, 527 mg; all administered in ICU); 19 received propofol (median total dose, 6,000 mg); and 19 received dexmedetomidine (median total dose, 1,075 mg). Intubated patients received substantially more benzodiazepine (median total dose, 761 mg of lorazepam equivalent vs. 229 mg for subjects in the nonintubated group; P < 0.0001). Endotracheal intubation was associated with pneumonia and higher acuity of illness (APACHE II score, >10). Intubated patients had a longer duration of hospital stay (median, 15 d vs. 6 d; P ≤ 0.0001). One patient did not survive hospitalization. In this single-center, observational study, where endotracheal intubation was deferred until aspiration or cardiopulmonary decompensation, treatment of alcohol withdrawal syndrome with high-dose, continuously infused sedating medications was not associated with excess morbidity or mortality.

High Rate of Hospital Admissions Among Patients with Cirrhosis Seeking Care in US Emergency Departments.

Emergency Departments (ED) can serve as a gateway to specialty care for patients with cirrhosis with limited care access. We described the rates and characteristics of patients with cirrhosis who access United States (US) EDs, and identified factors associated with subsequent hospitalization. Using data from the National Hospital Ambulatory Medical Care Survey, cirrhosis-related ED from 2000 to 2009 were identified and compared to all other ED visits. From 2000 to 2009, there were an estimated 1,029,693 cirrhosis and 877 million non-cirrhosis visits. Compared to the general ED population, those with cirrhosis were more frequently male (58 vs. 44 %, p = 0.02), Hispanic (18.6 vs. 10.6 %, p < 0.05), seeking care in urban areas (91.6 vs. 73.4 %, p < 0.05) and had Medicaid/no insurance (43 vs. 35 %, p < 0.01). Patients with cirrhosis were more frequently triaged immediately or emergently (72.3 vs. 54.2 %, p < 0.01). The majority were admitted or transferred to another hospital (66.8 vs. 17.4 %, p < 0.01). Among patients with cirrhosis, patients with age ≥ 65 years were more likely to be admitted (adjusted OR 2.49, 95 % CI 1.08-5.73), and Medicaid/uninsured (adjusted OR 0.34; 95 % CI 0.17-0.67) were less likely to be admitted, after adjusting for patient demographics, hospital characteristics, and triage score. Patient with cirrhosis account for approximately 100,000 US ED visits annually. The higher admission rates among patients with cirrhosis indicate a high acuity of illness. Older age among those admitted may reflect poorer functional status. Finally, high visit but low admission rates among those with Medicaid/no insurance suggest a gap in specialty care.

Do Discharge Facilitators Improve the Discharge Process

Hospital discharge is a precarious time for patients, especially now given the higher acuity of illness and emphasis on reducing length of stay.

Optimizing care for acute medical patients: the Australasian Medical Assessment Unit Survey

To ascertain the design and operational characteristics of acute Medical Assessment Units (MAU) located within Australasian hospitals, and to compare these with formal standards promulgated by the Internal Medicine Society of Australia and New Zealand (IMSANZ). Descriptive study based on responses to questionnaires mailed to clinical and nursing leads of MAU in March 2009 with follow-up reminders over 3months. Hospitals that had an MAU that met predefined criteria were identified from an IMSANZ directory of sites based on recent contact with IMSANZ members and health department personnel and interrogation of hospital websites and attendance lists at recent MAU workshops. Questionnaires were returned from 32 of 50 hospitals (response rate 64%). Most MAU (15/22; 68%) were less than 2years old. MAU were smaller than recommended by IMSANZ. Sixty-eight per cent were located over a 5-min walk from the emergency department (ED). Delay in transfer of patients from the ED to the MAU was common. The medical service to the majority of MAU was provided by General Medicine physicians and cover was reduced at weekends. In the majority of MAU the emphasis on function was facilitating discharge of patients rather than managing patients with high acuity of illness. Our survey suggests that despite some variation in staffing and procedures, MAU seem to be well established and a promising means of decreasing ED access block. Future comparative study is required to evaluate further the effect of MAU on ED access block and ED length of stay.

Feasibility of physical and occupational therapy beginning from initiation of mechanical ventilation*

Physical and occupational therapy are possible immediately after intubation in mechanically ventilated medical intensive care unit patients. The objective of this study was to describe a protocol of daily sedative interruption and early physical and occupational therapy and to specify details of intensive care unit-based therapy, including neurocognitive state, potential barriers, and adverse events related to this intervention. Detailed descriptive study of the intervention arm of a trial of mechanically ventilated patients receiving early physical and occupational therapy. Two tertiary care academic medical centers participating in a randomized controlled trial. Patients underwent daily sedative interruption followed by physical and occupational therapy every hospital day until achieving independent functional status. Therapy began with active range of motion and progressed to activities of daily living, sitting, standing, and walking as tolerated. Forty-nine mechanically ventilated patients received early physical and occupational therapy occurring a median of 1.5 days (range, 1.0-2.1 days) after intubation. Therapy was provided on 90% of MICU days during mechanical ventilation. While endotracheally intubated, subjects sat at the edge of the bed in 69% of all physical and occupational therapy sessions, transferred from bed to chair in 33%, stood in 33%, and ambulated during 15% (n = 26 of 168) of all physical and occupational therapy sessions (median distance of 15 feet; range, 15-20 feet). At least one potential barrier to mobilization during mechanical ventilation (acute lung injury, vasoactive medication administration, delirium, renal replacement therapy, or body mass index ≥ 30 kg/m) was present in 89% of patient encounters. Therapy was interrupted prematurely in 4% of all sessions, most commonly for patient-ventilator asynchrony and agitation. Early physical and occupational therapy is feasible from the onset of mechanical ventilation despite high illness acuity and presence of life support devices. Adverse events are uncommon, even in this high-risk group.

Model development for EHR interdisciplinary information exchange of ICU common goals

PurposeEffective interdisciplinary exchange of patient information is an essential component of safe, efficient, and patient-centered care in the intensive care unit (ICU). Frequent handoffs of patient care, high acuity of patient illness, and the increasing amount of available data complicate information exchange. Verbal communication can be affected by interruptions and time limitations. To supplement verbal communication, many ICUs rely on documentation in electronic health records (EHRs) to reduce errors of omission and information loss. The purpose of this study was to develop a model of EHR interdisciplinary information exchange of ICU common goals. MethodsThe theoretical frameworks of distributed cognition and the clinical communication space were integrated and a previously published categorization of verbal information exchange was used. 59.5h of interdisciplinary rounds in a neurovascular ICU were observed and five interviews and one focus group with ICU nurses and physicians were conducted. ResultsCurrent documentation tools in the ICU were not sufficient to capture the nurses’ and physicians’ collaborative decision-making and verbal communication of goal-directed actions and interactions. Clinicians perceived the EHR to be inefficient for information retrieval, leading to a further reliance on verbal information exchange. ConclusionThe model suggests that EHRs should support: (1) information tools for the explicit documentation of goals, interventions, and assessments with synthesized and summarized information outputs of events and updates; and (2) messaging tools that support collaborative decision-making and patient safety double checks that currently occur between nurses and physicians in the absence of EHR support.