Context Of Intensive Care Research Articles

Early alterations of thalami- and hippocampi-cortical functional connectivity as biomarkers of seizures after traumatic brain injury

The Epilepsy Bioinformatics Study for Antiepileptogenic Therapy (EpiBioS4Rx, project 3) is a prospective multicenter clinical observational study to identify early biomarkers of epileptogenesis after moderate-to-severe traumatic brain injury (TBI). We used a seed-based approach applied to acute (i.e., ≤14 days) fMRI imaging data, directly testing the hypothesis that the presence of seizures up to two years following brain trauma is associated with functional changes within hippocampi and thalami-cortical networks. Additionally, we hypothesized that the network connectivity involving thalami and hippocampi circuits underlying early and late-onset seizures would differ. Approximately 30% of the initial dataset was deemed unusable due to MRI issues. Approximately 50% of the enrolled sample was lost to a 2-year follow-up. After preprocessing the fMRI data, approximately 40% of the follow-up sample had to be excluded from the analysis due to excessive in-scanner movements, as assessed by state-of-the-art quality control protocols. Only 37 patients provided data that was suitable for the seed-based analysis. Despite these challenges, the remaining, high-quality data returned noteworthy findings. We identified specific hippocampi and thalami biomarkers associated with both early and late seizures following TBI (p < .05, FWE-corrected at the cluster level). The predictive capability for the development of late seizures after TBI, when adding fMRI data to demographic and clinical data, provided 88% accuracy — an additional 8% improvement compared to using demographic and clinical data alone. Our findings highlight the potential of fMRI for uncovering, in hippocampal and thalamic cortical networks, biomarkers of early and late seizures following TBI. However, they also highlight the important challenges that need to be overcome in order for fMRI to become an effective biomarker and prognostic tool in the intensive care context.

The state of (mis) trust: Human-centered technology development & implementation in intensive mental health settings

Innovative technology-based solutions in mental healthcare promise significant improvements in care quality and clinical outcomes. However, their successful implementation is profoundly influenced by the levels of trust patients hold toward their treatment providers, organizations, and the technology itself. This paper delves into the complexities of building and assessing patient trust within the intensive mental health care context, focusing on inpatient settings. We explore the multifaceted nature of trust, including interpersonal, institutional, and technological trust. We highlight the crucial role of therapeutic trust, which comprises both interpersonal trust between patients and providers, and institutional trust in treatment organizations. The manuscript identifies potential key barriers to trust, from sociocultural background to a patient's psychopathology. Furthermore, it examines the concept of technological trust, emphasizing the influence of digital literacy, socio-economic status, and user experience on patients' acceptance of digital health innovations. By emphasizing the importance of assessing and addressing the state of trust among patients, the overarching goal is to leverage digital innovations to enhance mental healthcare outcomes within intensive mental health settings.

Enhancing psychological support and communication in intensive care unit data transmission

Dear Editor, We have read with great attention and interest the article "Clinical data transmission in intensive care unit: what have we learned from COVID-19?"1 by Pota et al. We believe that the authors have addressed a very important clinical and ethical aspect regarding the transmission of clinical data. The pandemic has taught us that unforeseen emergent events are still possible and that the global healthcare and economic systems may not be adequately prepared to respond. We agree that, to date, there is no precise regulation on the transmission of patient-related clinical data to families. This includes challenges such as identifying the appropriate recipient, the lack of qualified personnel for medical communication, and the use of uncertified channels that neglect data protection regulations. Additionally, we wish to draw attention to another crucial aspect: psychological support. Healthcare personnel often find themselves communicating severe clinical evaluations and sometimes unfavorable treatment outcomes. Some of the main challenges faced daily by operators in intensive care contexts involve continuous exposure to severe physical and psychological suffering, navigating uncertainty and unpredictability, and balancing the needs of the patient with those of their family. The complexity of current technological aspects introduces new challenges in this scenario.2 The lack of in-person communication could weaken the trust and empathy that should exist between healthcare personnel and the family. [...]

Critical care nurses' experiences of ethical challenges in end-of-life care.

In Swedish intensive care units, nine percent of patients do not survive despite receiving advanced life-sustaining treatments. As these patients transition to end-of-life care, ethical considerations may become paramount. To explore the ethical challenges that critical care nurses encounter when caring for patients at the end of life in an intensive care context. The study used a qualitative approach with an interpretive descriptive design. Twenty critical care nurses from eight intensive care units in an urban region in Sweden were interviewed, predominately women with a median age of fifty-one years. This study was approved by The Swedish Ethics Review Authority. Critical care nurses described encountering ethical challenges when life-sustaining treatments persisted to patients with minimal survival prospects and when administering pain-relieving medications that could inadvertently hasten patients' deaths. Challenges also arose when patients expressed a desire to withdraw life-sustaining treatments despite the possibility of recovery, or when family members wanted to shield patients from information about a poor prognosis; these wishes occasionally conflicted with healthcare guidelines. The critical care nurses also encountered ethical challenges when caring for potential organ donors, highlighting the balance between organ preservation and maintaining patient dignity. Critical care nurses encountered ethical challenges when caring for patients at the end of life. They described issues ranging from life-sustaining treatments and administration of pain-relief, to patient preferences and organ donation considerations. Addressing these ethical challenges is essential for delivering compassionate person-centered care, and supporting family members during end-of-life care in an intensive care context.

Tension between continuous and deep sedation and assistance in dying: a national survey of intensive care professionals’ perceptions

IntroductionThe situation in France is unique, having a legal framework for continuous and deep sedation (CDS). However, its use in intensive care units (ICU), combined with the withdrawal of life-sustaining therapies, still raises ethical issues, particularly its potential to hasten death. The legalization of assistance in dying, i.e., assisted suicide or euthanasia at the patient’s request, is currently under discussion in France. The objectives of this national survey were first, to assess whether ICU professionals perceive CDS administered to ICU patients as a practice that hastens death, in addition to relieving unbearable suffering, and second, to assess ICU professionals’ perceptions of assistance in dying. MethodsA national survey with online questionnaires for ICU physicians and nursesaddressed through the French Society of Anesthesiology and Critical Care Medicine. ResultsA total of 956 ICU professionals responded to the survey (38% physicians and 62% nurses). Of these, 22% of physicians and 12% of nurses (p < 0.001) felt that the purpose of CDS was to hasten death. For 20% of physicians, CDS combined with terminal extubation was considered an assistance in dying. For 52% of ICU professionals, the current framework did not sufficiently cover the range of situations that occur in the ICU. A favorable opinion on the potential legalization of assistance in dying was observed in 83% of nurses and 71% of physicians (p < 0.001), with no preference between assisted suicide and euthanasia. ConclusionOur findings highlight the tension between CDS and assisted suicide/euthanasia in the specific context of intensive care and suggest that ICU professionals would be supportive of a legislative evolution.

Factors that may threaten or protect the wellbeing of staff working in paediatric intensive care environments

ObjectiveThis study explored the risk and protective factors for wellbeing from the perspectives of multidisciplinary paediatric intensive care unit staff. DesignUsing a qualitative, descriptive study design we purposively recruited a sample of nurses, physicians, and allied health professionals to participate in semi-structured interviews which explored staff perceptions of risk and protective factors relating to their daily paediatric intensive care roles. Data was analysed using thematic analysis. SettingFour paediatric intensive care units in Australia. FindingsTwenty staff were recruited. Braun and Clarke’s thematic analysis approach identified perceived risks for wellbeing included a lack of preparation for the role, and clinical situations that contributed to psychological distress, including perceived worst shift, moral distress, non-accidental injuries, and isolation. Themes perceived as protective to wellbeing included: finding the work stimulating and meaningful, belonging to the team, and using humour. ConclusionStaff perceptions of wellbeing in the paediatric intensive care unit suggested that risk factors often co-existed simultaneously with protective factors. These results are not consistent with the notion that wellbeing as a phenomenon can be considered on a risk-protection continuum. Strategies that enhance this work as meaningful and stimulating, promote a sense of belonging to the team, and support the use of humour, may assist health professionals to achieve a balance between risk and protective factors for wellbeing. Implications for clinical practiceEducation and training on end-of-life care, and how to have difficult conversations and manage the consistent psychological distress of intensive care work, is essential at orientation and requires regular formal interventions.Experiencing the work as stimulating highlights the need for advanced scope of practice work. Opportunities for individual and team reflection about the meaning and purpose of their work, and ensuring staff feel valued and experience a sense of belonging to the team, are critical to the intensive care context.

The Swedish version of EMPATHIC-30 translation and initial psychometric evaluation.

One way to measure quality of care is by measuring satisfaction of provided care among patients and their families. EMpowerment of PArents in THe Intensive Care 30 (EMPATHIC-30) is a self-reported questionnaire grounded on the principles of FCC aiming to measure parents' satisfaction with paediatric intensive care. There is lack of Swedish questionnaires measuring satisfaction with paediatric intensive care based on family-centered care principles. The aim was to translate the instrument EMpowerment of PArents in THe Intensive Care 30 (EMPATHIC-30) into the Swedish language and evaluate psychometrically the Swedish version in a paediatric intensive care context. The instrument EMPATHIC-30 was translated and adapted to Swedish context, thereafter, assessed by expert panels consisting of nurses (panel one; n=4; panel two; n=24) and parents (n=8) with experience in paediatric intensive care. Construct validity, item characteristics and reliability were tested in a cohort of 97 parents whose child had been treated for at least 48 h at two out of four Paediatric Intensive Care Unit (PICUs) in Sweden. Parents whose child died during hospitalisation were excluded. The Swedish version of EMPATHIC-30 showed an acceptable internal consistency with Cronbach's alpha coefficient for the total scale 0.925. Cronbach's alpha on the domain level varied between 0.548-0.792 with the lowest coefficient in the domain Organisation. Inter-scale correlation revealed acceptable correlations for both subscales (0.440-0.743) and between total scale and subscales (0.623-0.805), which demonstrated good homogeneity for the instrument in its entirety. One problem regarding the domain Organisation and especially the item "It was easy to contact the pediatric intensive care unit by telephone" was revealed, which indicated that the item needs to be reformulated or that the factor structure needs to be further evaluated. The findings from the current study indicated that the Swedish version of EMPATHIC-30 has acceptable psychometric properties and can be used in Swedish PICUs. Using EMPATHIC-30 in clinical practice can give an indication of the overall quality of family-centered care at the PICU.

Measuring moral distress in Swedish intensive care: Psychometric and descriptive results

ObjectivesTo investigate the construct validity and psychometric properties of the Swedish version of the Moral Distress Scale–Revised and to describe moral distress in an intensive care context. Research Methodology/DesignThe Italian Moral Distress Scale–Revised was translated and semantically adjusted to the Swedish intensive care context. A web survey with 14 moral distress items, as well as three additional and eight background questions was answered by critical care nurses (N = 71) working in intensive care units during the second year of the coronavirus disease pandemic. Inferential and descriptive statistics were used to investigate the Italian four-factor model and to examine critical care nurses’ moral distress. ResultsThe result shows a factor model of four components differing from the previous model. Critical care nurses demonstrated significant differences in moral distress regarding priorities compared to before the pandemic, type of household; experience as critical care nurses and whether they had supervised students during the pandemic. ConclusionThe component structure might have originated from the specific situation critical care nurses perceived during the pandemic. The health care organisations’ role in preventing and healing the effects of moral distress is important for managers to understand. Implications for clinical practiceMoral distress is common in intensive care and it is necessary to use valid instrument when measuring it. A psychometrical investigation of the Swedish version of the Moral Distress Scale–Revised, adapted for intensive care shows need for further semantic and cultural adaptation. Perceived priorities during the pandemic, household type, supervising during the pandemic and working experience were related to critical care nurses’ experience of moral distress and managers need to be aware of conditions that may trigger such a response.

Shared responsibility for decision-making in NICU: A scoping review.

Shared responsibility is an essential part of family-centred care and it characterizes the relationship between parents and healthcare professionals. Despite this, little is known about their shared responsibility for decision-making in neonatal intensive care units. The aim of this scoping review was to identify previous studies on the subject and to summarize the knowledge that has been published so far. The review was conducted using electronic searches in the CINAHL, PubMed, Scopus and PsycINFO databases and manual searches of the reference lists of the selected papers. The searches were limited to peer-reviewed papers that had been published in English from 2010 to September 2021. The data were selected based on inclusion and exclusion criteria and the findings were inductively summarized. We identified eight papers that met the inclusion criteria. The scoping review was conducted according to good scientific practice by respecting authorship and reporting the study processes accurately, honestly and transparently. The results showed that shared responsibility for decision-making was based on the parents' intentions, but the degree to which they were willing to take responsibility varied. The facilitating and inhibiting factors for shared responsibility for decision-making were related to the communication between parents and professionals. The impact was related to the parents' emotions. It is essential that parents and professionals negotiate how both parties will contribute to their shared responsibility for decision-making. This will enable them to reach a mutual understanding of what is in the infants' best interests and to mitigate the emotional burden of decisions in neonatal intensive care units. More research is needed to clarify the concept of shared responsibility for decision-making in this intensive care context.

COVID-19 and hepatorenal syndrome.

Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) is a highly infectious disease which emerged into a global pandemic. Although it primarily causes respiratory symptoms for affected patients, COVID-19 was shown to have multi-organ manifestations. Elevated liver enzymes appear to be commonly observed during the course of COVID-19, and there have been numerous reports of liver injury secondary to COVID-19 infection. It has been established that patients with pre-existing chronic liver disease (CLD) are more likely to have poorer outcomes following COVID-19 infection compared to those without CLD. Co-morbidities such as diabetes, hypertension, obesity, cardiovascular and chronic kidney disease frequently co-exist in individuals living with CLD, and a substantial population may also live with some degree of frailty. The mechanisms of how COVID-19 induces liver injury have been postulated. Hepatorenal syndrome (HRS) is the occurrence of kidney dysfunction in patients with severe CLD/fulminant liver failure in the absence of another identifiable cause, and is usually a marker of severe decompensated liver disease. Select reports of HRS following acute COVID-19 infection have been presented, although the risk factors and pathophysiological mechanisms leading to HRS in COVID-19 infection or following COVID-19 treatment remain largely unestablished due to the relative lack and novelty of published data. Evidence discussing the management of HRS in high-dependency care and intensive care contexts is only emerging. In this article, we provide an overview on the speculative pathophysiological mechanisms of COVID-19 induced HRS and propose strategies for clinical diagnosis and management to optimize outcomes in this scenario.

On photovoice-Applications and reflections to an intensive care context.

In this paper, we share our experiences of using 'photovoice' methodology as a way to generate data in intensive care units concerning the place and space of care. We have adapted and modified 'photovoice' in researching people's lived experiences of ICU. Researching lived experiences in an intensive care context is challenging because of the complex nature of critical care. This study aims to explore and discuss photovoice methodolgy in ICU as a data collection method. Photos and interviews collected from patients, loved ones and staff collected in a previous research proejct. Although there are challenges in using cameras and photographing the environment in the ICU, due to ethics and the voiceless patients therein, many advantages are presented to the researchers in capturing the meaning of lived experiences of various phenomena in the lifeworld in general and in the meaning of place and space. This paper offers applications and reflection over ontological, epistemological and methodological concerns and also offers a detailed approach on how to employ photovoice for successful and rich data generation. developing and adapting scientific methods and methodologies contributes to knowledge development in caring science and is therefore an important subject of matter. Photovoice also presents a powerful tool in disseminating the findings as it opens up the closed world of ICU to the public and increases people's understanding of the significance of place and space of caring practice.

Interactive effects of self‐concept and social context on perceived cohesion in intensive care nursing

AbstractGroup cohesion is critical in the workplace, especially when individual and contextual constraints coexist but high performance is essential. We assess the source of variation in group members' perceptions of cohesion. Using an interactional psychology perspective, and within the context of intensive care, this study examines the interactive effects of nurses' self‐concept and the objective social context within which they are embedded. Individual‐ and unit‐level factors are investigated because they jointly shape the degree to which nurses perceive their intensive care units as cohesive. A multisource, multilevel study of approximately 140 nurses employed in 20 units across Denmark demonstrates the role self‐concept plays in easing and enhancing the constraints workplaces impose on cohesion. Implications for research on emergent states and interactional psychology are discussed.

Instruments for measuring incidents related to patient safety in the context of paediatric intensive care\u2014protocol for a scoping review

BackgroundPatient safety is a fundamental principle of health care but is one of the biggest challenges currently faced and a serious public health problem, since the occurrence of adverse events is probably one of the main causes of morbidity and mortality worldwide. The vulnerability of the paediatric population, combined with the potentially dangerous context of intensive care, makes Paediatric Intensive Care Units services of particular complexity in matters of safety, where there is a greater likelihood of incidents with serious consequences. It is agreed that research on the topic of PS should start with the measuring of different types of harm that exist in the contexts, to identify high-risk areas and define priorities. For this, it is necessary to resort to a multiplicity of valid, reliable and specific measurement instruments and to learn their advantages and limitations. The objective of this review will be to identify and map in scientific literature the instruments for measuring incidents related to patient safety applicable in the context of paediatric intensive care.MethodsThis review will cover studies and documents that refer to all measurement instruments used in the field of patient safety in a context of paediatric intensive care. Quantitative, qualitative, or mixed nature published studies, as well as grey literature, produced in the last 5 years and relevant to the topic will be included, in Portuguese, English or Spanish languages. The sources of information include several databases (such as MEDLINE, CINAHL, Cochrane Library, JBI Databases) and sources relevant to grey literature. Two reviewers will independently screen all citations, full-text articles and abstract data. The extracted data, after being organised in the extraction table, will be mapped in a descriptive and logical way, taking into account the defined review questions.DiscussionThe mapping of the tools in these protocols will allow to summarise the most widely used instruments, to know their specificities and to guide researchers to use the most appropriate measurement tools for their context, specifically, in paediatric intensive care.Systematic review registrationOpen Science Framework (osf.io/b5m7j).

Healthcare Professionals’ Perspective on Palliative Care in Intensive Care Settings: An Interpretive Descriptive Study

There is a growing need to integrate palliative care into intensive care units and to develop appropriate knowledge translation strategies. However, multiple challenges persist in attempts to achieve this objective. In this study, we aimed to explore intensive care professionals’ perspectives on providing palliative and end-of-life care within an intensive care context. We used an interpretive description approach and interviewed 36 intensive care professionals at four hospitals in Saudi Arabia. Our findings reflect a discourse about end-of-life care driven by a do-not-resuscitate classification and challenges associated with family involvement in care goals. We provide key insights of importance for the development of strategies for the integration and knowledge translation of palliative care into intensive care contexts.

Nursing interventions to cover patients' basic needs in the intensive care context - A systematic review.

AimTo examine the content, theoretical frameworks and effectiveness of nursing interventions utilizing patient‐reported outcome measures (PROMs) in the intensive care unit (ICU).DesignA systematic review and narrative synthesis following the guidelines of the preferred reporting items for systematic reviews and meta‐analysis checklist.MethodsWe searched the MEDLINE, CINAHL, PsycINFO, SweMed and Cochrane controlled trials register (CENTRAL) databases for studies evaluating interventions primarily delivered by nurses in the ICU. Two independent reviewers performed study selection, data extraction and risk of bias.ResultsTwenty‐two studies were included, whereas only seven studies used a theoretical framework. The interventions were heterogeneous in content, duration and choice of PROMs. Outcomes were related to covering patients' and families' basic needs, described by Henderson as essential functions of nursing. Several studies reported positive intervention effects, and nurses' communication and psychosocial care were considered essential components of nursing interventions in the ICU.

Inspiratory muscle training in intensive care unit patients: An international cross-sectional survey of physiotherapist practice

BackgroundInspiratory muscle training is safe and effective in reversing inspiratory muscle weakness and improving outcomes in patients who have experienced prolonged mechanical ventilation in the intensive care unit (ICU). The degree of worldwide implementation of inspiratory muscle training in such patients has not been investigated. ObjectivesThe objectives of this study were to describe the current practice of inspiratory muscle training by intensive care physiotherapists and investigate barriers to implementation in the intensive care context and additionally to determine if any factors are associated with the use of inspiratory muscle training in patients in the ICU and identify preferred methods of future education. MethodOnline cross-sectional surveys of intensive care physiotherapists were conducted using voluntary sampling. Multivariate logistic regression analysis was used to identify factors associated with inspiratory muscle training use in patients in the ICU. ResultsOf 360 participants, 63% (95% confidence interval [CI] = 58 to 68) reported using inspiratory muscle training in patients in the ICU, with 69% (95% CI = 63 to 75) using a threshold device. Only 64% (95% CI = 58 to 70) of participants who used inspiratory muscle training routinely assessed inspiratory muscle strength. The most common barriers to implementing inspiratory muscle training sessions in eligible patients were sedation and delirium. Participants were 4.8 times more likely to use inspiratory muscle training in patients if they did not consider equipment a barrier and were 4.1 times more likely to use inspiratory muscle training if they aware of the evidence for this training in these patients. For education about inspiratory muscle training, 41% of participants preferred online training modules. ConclusionIn this first study to describe international practice by intensive care therapists, 63% reported using inspiratory muscle training. Improving access to equipment and enhancing knowledge of inspiratory muscle training techniques could improve the translation of evidence into practice.

Avaliação da qualidade de vida dos profissionais de enfermagem em Unidade de Terapia Intensiva Adulto

O presente estudo objetivou conhecer a qualidade de vida dos profissionais de enfermagem de Unidades de Terapia Intensiva Adulto. Trata-se de uma pesquisa de cunho exploratório e descritiva de natureza quantitativa, que foi realizada com profissionais de enfermagem atuantes em Unidades de Terapia Intensiva da região Centro-oeste do estado do Rio Grande do Sul. A coleta de dados foi realizada por meio do instrumento que mensura a qualidade de vida, denominado Whoqol-bref. Dentre os resultados deste estudo, destaca-se que dos quatro domínios avaliados, todos obtiveram resultados regulares, juntamente com as facetas de número um e dois, que foram avaliadas separadamente. A importância da investigação da qualidade de vida do profissional da saúde, em especial, da equipe de enfermagem, se deve ao fato de que a mesma pode contribuir para minimização de riscos inerentes ao contexto da terapia intensiva reduzindo problemas de saúde física e mental que possam vir a prejudicar o estilo de vida do indivíduo. Conclui-se que os profissionais de enfermagem, tanto enfermeiros, quanto técnicos de enfermagem que participaram da pesquisa apresentaram uma qualidade de vida regular, achado que corrobora com estudos já encontrados na literatura.

Intermittent pneumatic compression for venous thromboembolism prevention: a systematic review on factors affecting adherence

ObjectiveVenous thromboembolism (VTE) is a potentially fatal complication of hospitalisation. Intermittent pneumatic compression (IPC) is one approach to reducing the likelihood of a VTE. Adherence to IPC is known to...

Factors influencing the integration of a palliative approach in intensive care units: a systematic mixed-methods review

BackgroundWhile a palliative approach is generally perceived to be an integral part of the intensive care unit (ICU), the provision of palliative care in this setting is challenging. This review aims to identify factors (barriers and facilitators) influencing a palliative approach in intensive care settings, as perceived by health care professionals.MethodA systematic mixed-methods review was conducted. Multiple electronic databases were used, and the following search terms were utilized: implementation, palliative care, and intensive care unit. In total, 1843 articles were screened, of which 24 met the research inclusion/exclusion criteria. A thematic synthesis method was used for both qualitative and quantitative studies.ResultsFour key prerequisite factors were identified: (a) organizational structure in facilitating policies, unappropriated resources, multi-disciplinary team involvement, and knowledge and skills; (b) work environment, including physical and psychosocial factors; (c) interpersonal factors/barriers, including family and patients’ involvement in communication and participation; and (d) decision-making, e.g., decision and transition, goal conflict, multidisciplinary team communication, and prognostication.ConclusionFactors hindering the integration of a palliative approach in an intensive care context constitute a complex interplay among organizational structure, the care environment and clinicians’ perceptions and attitudes. While patient and family involvement was identified as an important facilitator of palliative care, it was also recognized as a barrier for clinicians due to challenges in shared goal setting and communication.

Clinical Recommendations for Managing the Impact of Insulin Adsorptive Loss in Hospital and Diabetes Care.

Adsorption of insulin to infusion sets impacts patient therapeutic outcomes and, unaccounted for, may exacerbate persistent hyperglycemia or result in therapy-induced hypoglycemia. This article aims to provide recommendations for clinicians involved in intensive care and/or outpatient pump therapy contexts. A dynamic adsorption model is used to evaluate time-varying insulin concentration in the infusion set outflow. Hourly and daily percentage insulin loss to adsorption is examined for neonatal, pediatric, and adult intensive care patients, as well as outpatient children and adults weighing 30, 50, and 80 kg. A short review of preconditioning methods is included. Insulin adsorption in outpatient pump therapy is most pronounced in the first hour, where as much as 80% of the intended insulin dose may be lost to adsorption. Subsequently, insulin adsorptive loss is typically negligible. Overall, extra care should be taken in the first 1-6 h of a new infusion set, particularly in children or teenagers. Typically, insulin adsorption in the adult intensive care unit is negligible unless infused at low flow rates (<2 mL/h). Insulin adsorption is significant in pediatric and neonatal intensive care, resulting in delivery concentrations as low as 5%-50% of that intended. Thus, it is recommended that preconditioning of insulin delivery lines be carried out prior to infusion initiation in this context. However, no preconditioning method completely removes adsorption, and care should still be taken in the first 1-6 h of insulin dosing. Recommendations made in this article are dependent on the insulin concentration and flow rate used in each clinical context.