Medical-surgical Intensive Care Unit Research Articles

Improving Communication Between Surgery and Critical Care Teams: Beyond the Handover.

Structured communication tools for postoperative surgical handover to the intensive care unit (ICU) have shown promise, yet little work has addressed ongoing daily communication between the surgery and ICU teams thereafter. Evaluation of a novel, 2-part communication intervention between surgery and ICU teams focused on postoperative handover and ongoing daily communication. A mixed-methods, pre- and postintervention survey study was conducted in a closed quaternary medical-surgical ICU. Study participants (N = 112) included ICU physicians, nurses, allied health professionals, and physicians on the surgical team. The intervention consisted of a handover checklist completed postoperatively on arrival in the ICU and a 5-item communication tool completed daily by the surgical team. Satisfaction improved significantly in the following areas: postoperative handover communication (P < .001), daily communication (P = .001), understanding the postoperative plan (P < .001), initiation of deep vein thrombosis prophylaxis (P = .008), initiation of feeding (P = .009), and daily primary resident contact (P = .008). No significant improvement was seen in communication regarding disposition or overall improvement in patient safety risk from communication errors. A simple handover checklist improved health care practitioner satisfaction with communication during postoperative handover to the ICU. Concise daily communication tools are an appropriate option for improving ongoing communication between surgeons and the ICU team thereafter.

Risk Factors for Carbapenem Resistant Klebsiella pneumoniae Hospital Infection in the Intensive Care Unit

Abstract Carbapenem-resistant Klebsiella pneumoniae (CR-Kp) has become a major threat to patients in hospitals, increasing mortality, length of stay and costs. The aim of this study was to discover risk factors for the development of hospital infections (HIs) caused by CR-Kp. A prospective cohort study was conducted in the Medical-Surgical Intensive Care Unit of the Clinical Centre in Kragujevac, Kragujevac, Serbia, from January 1, 2011, to December 31, 2015. The “cases” were patients with HIs caused by CR-Kp, while the “controls” were patients infected with carbapenem-sensitive Klebsiella pneumoniae (CS-Kp). The significance of multiple putative risk factors for HIs caused by CR-Kp was tested using multivariate logistic regression. Although univariate analyses pointed to many risk factors, with a significant influence on the occurrence of hospital CR-Kp infections, the multivariate logistic regression identified five independent risk factors: use of mechanical ventilation (OR=6.090; 95% CI=1.030-36.020; p=0.046); length of antibiotic therapy before HIs (days) (OR=1.080; 95% CI=1.003-1.387; p=0.045); previous use of carbapenems (OR=7.005; 95% CI=1.054-46.572; p=0.044); previous use of ciprofloxacin (OR=20.628; 95% CI=2.292-185.687; p=0.007) and previous use of metronidazole (OR=40.320; 95% CI=2.347-692.795; p=0.011) HIs caused by CR-Kp are strongly associated with the use of mechanical ventilation and the duration of the previous use of certain antibiotics (carbapenems, ciprofloxacin and metronidazole).

Features of Adult Hyperammonemia Not Due to Liver Failure in the ICU.

To evaluate the epidemiology of hyperammonemia unrelated to liver failure in the critical care setting. Retrospective case series. Critically ill patients admitted to ICUs at Mayo Clinic, Rochester, MN (medical ICU, two mixed medical-surgical ICUs, coronary care unit, or the cardiosurgical ICU) between July 1, 2004, and October 31, 2015. Adult critically ill patients with hyperammonemia not related to acute or chronic liver failure. We excluded patients with diagnosis of moderate or severe liver disease, hyperbilirubinemia, and patients who denied the use of their medical records. None. Of 3,908 ICU patients with hyperammonemia, 167 (4.5%) had no evidence of acute or chronic liver failure. One-hundred one patients (60.5%) were male with median age of 65.7 years (interquartile range, 50-74.5 yr) and median serum ammonia level of 68 µg/dL (interquartile range, 58-87 µg/dL). Acute encephalopathy was present in 119 patients (71%). Predisposing conditions included malnutrition 27 (16%), gastric bypass six (3.6%), total parenteral nutrition four (2.4%); exposure to valproic acid 17 (10%); status epilepticus 11 (6.6%), high tumour burden 19 (11.3%), and renal failure 82 (49.1%). Urea cycle defects were diagnosed in seven patients (4.1%). Hospital mortality was high (30%), and median ammonia level was higher among the nonsurvivors (74 vs 67 µg/dL; p = 0.05). Deaths were more likely in hyperammonemic patients who were older (p = 0.016), had greater illness severity (higher Acute Physiology and Chronic Health Evaluation III score, p < 0.01), malignancy (p < 0.01), and solid organ transplantation (p = 0.04), whereas seizure disorder was more common in survivors (p = 0.02). After adjustment, serum ammonia level was not associated with increased mortality. Hyperammonemia occurs in a substantial minority of critically ill patients without liver failure. These patients have a poor prognosis, although ammonia level per se is not independently associated with mortality. Serum ammonia should be measured when risk factors are present, such as nutritional deficiencies and protein refeeding, treatment with valproic acid, high tumour burden, and known or suspected urea cycle abnormalities.

Feasibility of Exercise Testing in Patients Who Are Critically Ill: A Prospective, Observational Multicenter Study

ObjectiveTo evaluate the feasibility and safety of exercise testing and to describe the physiological response to exercise of patients in the Intensive Care Unit (ICU). DesignA prospective observational multicenter study. SettingTwo mixed medical-surgical ICUs. ParticipantsPatients (N=37; with no primary neurological disorders, 59% men; median age 50y; ICU length of stay 14.5d; Acute Physiology and Chronic Health Evaluation IV 73.0) who had been mechanically ventilated for more than 48 hours and were hemodynamically stable enough to perform physical exercise. InterventionsA passive or active incremental exercise test, depending on muscle strength, on a bed-based cycle ergometer. Main Outcome MeasuresFeasibility and safety were evaluated based on protocol adherence and adverse events. Physiological responses to exercise quantified as changes in respiratory frequency (RF), oxygen uptake (Vo2), carbon dioxide output (Vco2), respiratory exchange ratio (RER), and blood lactate. ResultsThirty-seven patients of whom 18 were mechanically ventilated underwent the exercise test. The active incremental test was performed by 28, and the passive test by 9 participants. Thirty-three (89%) accomplished the test according to the protocol and 1 moderate severe adverse event (bradycardia; heart rate 44) occurred shortly after the test. RF, Vo2, Vco2, and lactate increased significantly, whereas RER did not change during the active incremental exercise test. No changes were observed during the passive exercise test. ConclusionsIt is safe and feasible to perform exercise testing on a bed-based cycle ergometer in patients who are critically ill and a physiological response could be measured. Future research should investigate the clinical value of exercise testing in daily ICU practice and whether exercise capacity and its limiting factors could be determined by incremental exercise testing.

Secondary EMR data for quality improvement and research: A comparison of manual and electronic data collection from an integrated critical care electronic medical record system

PurposeThis study measured the quality of data extracted from a clinical information system widely used for critical care quality improvement and research. Materials and methodsWe abstracted data from 30 fields in a random sample of 207 patients admitted to nine adult, medical-surgical intensive care units. We assessed concordance between data collected: (1) manually from the bedside system (eCritical MetaVision) by trained auditors, and (2) electronically from the system data warehouse (eCritical TRACER). Agreement was assessed using Cohen's Kappa for categorical variables and intraclass correlation coefficient (ICC) for continuous variables. ResultsConcordance between data sets was excellent. There was perfect agreement for 11/30 variables (35%). The median Kappa score for the 16 categorical variables was 0.99 (IQR 0.92–1.00). APACHE II had an ICC of 0.936 (0.898–0.960). The lowest concordance was observed for SOFA renal and respiratory components (ICC 0.804 and 0.846, respectively). Score translation errors by the manual auditor were the most common source of data discrepancies. ConclusionsManual validation processes of electronic data are complex in comparison to validation of traditional clinical documentation. This study represents a straightforward approach to validate the use of data repositories to support reliable and efficient use of high quality secondary use data.

\u201cIt\u2019s better to have three brains working instead of one\u201d: a qualitative study of building therapeutic alliance with family members of critically ill patients

BackgroundStudies in the intensive care unit (ICU) suggest that better communication between families of critically ill patients and healthcare providers is needed; however, most randomized trials targeting interventions to improve communication have failed to achieve family-centered outcomes. We aim to offer a novel analysis of the complexities involved in building positive family-provider relationships in the ICU through the consideration of not only communication but other important aspects of family-provider interactions, including family integration, collaboration, and empowerment. Our goal is to explore family members’ perspectives on the enablers and challenges to establishing therapeutic alliance with ICU physicians and nurses.MethodsWe used the concept of therapeutic alliance as an organizational and analytic tool to conduct an interview-based qualitative study in a 20-bed adult medical-surgical ICU in an academic hospital in Toronto, Canada. Nineteen family members of critically ill patients who acted as substitute decision-makers and/or regularly interacted with ICU providers were interviewed. Participants were sampled purposefully to ensure maximum variation along predetermined criteria. A hybrid inductive-deductive approach to analysis was used.ResultsParticipating family members highlighted the complementary roles and practices of ICU nurses and physicians in building therapeutic alliance. They reported how both provider groups had profession specific and shared contributions to foster family communication, integration, and collaboration, while physicians played a key role in family empowerment. Families’ lack of familiarity with ICU personnel and processes, physicians’ sporadic availability and use of medical jargon during rounds, however, reinforced long established power differences between lay families and expert physicians and challenged family integration. Family members also identified informal interactions as missed opportunities for relationship-building with physicians. While informal interactions with nurses at the bedside facilitated therapeutic alliance, inconsistent and ad-hoc interactions related to routine decision-making hindered family empowerment.ConclusionsMultiple opportunities exist to improve family-provider relationships in the ICU.The four dimensions of therapeutic alliance prove analytically useful to highlight those aspects that work well and need improvement, such as in the areas of family integration and empowerment.

Daily intra-abdominal pressure, Sequential Organ Failure Score and fluid balance predict duration of mechanical ventilation.

Elevated intra-abdominal pressure (IAP) is a common occurrence in mechanically ventilated patients in the intensive care unit (ICU). This study was undertaken to determine the relationship between IAP, pulmonary compliance and the duration of mechanical ventilation. A prospective study of 220 consecutively enrolled mechanically ventilated patients admitted to a mixed surgical-medical ICU in a tertiary referral hospital. The IAP was measured at least twice daily, benchmarked against consensus guidelines. Dynamic pulmonary compliance was calculated together with admission Acute Physiology and Chronic Health Evaluation (APACHE III) score and daily Sequential Organ Failure Assessment (SOFA) score. No relationship between highest IAP for the day and pulmonary compliance (P=0.61) was found. For each 5mm Hg increase in IAP, the risk of remaining intubated increased 19% (HR=1.19, 95% CI: 0.98-1.44); for each standard deviation increase in SOFA score (3.7 points), the risk of remaining intubated increased by 14% (HR=1.14, 95% CI: 0.98-1.33); and for each 1L increase in fluid balance, the risk of remaining intubated increased by 11% (HR=1.11, 95% CI: 1.04-1.19). A nomogram was developed to predict the probability of extubation based on daily highest IAP for the day, SOFA score and fluid balance. IAPs did not correlate with pulmonary compliance in critically ill patients. Increased IAP was associated with a longer duration of mechanical ventilation. A nomogram integrating daily IAP, SOFA score and fluid balance may be used to predict the duration of mechanical ventilation.

Clinical Pearls

Complications of delirium are widely known and can contribute to significant morbidity and mortality. However, delirium is under-recognized and undetected in 30% to 75% of cases. Further, studies have shown that nurses have inadequate knowledge of delirium risk factors and consequences and that some nurses believe delirium screening is unnecessary.Blevins and colleagues tested the effectiveness of an educational intervention on nurses’ knowledge of delirium and delirium risk factors. The intervention included a video, didactic instruction, case study analyses, and bedside screening instruction with return demonstration. They found the following:Although further research on various instructional methods is needed to determine the best strategies, the authors recommend ongoing education to maintain accurate screening.See Article, pp 270–278Items that are often touched in the hospital setting may contain microbes that contribute to nosocomial infections. Most surfaces can be effectively disinfected following standards set by the manufacturer. However, items with complex, intricate surfaces are more difficult to clean and may serve as reservoirs for bacteria.Risteen and colleagues studied the effectiveness of 0.5% hydrogen peroxide wipes on blood pressure cuffs and electrocardiographic telemetry leads, as compared with the cleaning of hard, smooth surfaces. They found the following:The hydrogen peroxide wipes were adequate for blood pressure cuffs but not for telemetry leads. The authors advocate an emphasis on thorough cleaning of all surfaces, including ones that are smooth and hard.See Article, pp 322–327Mortality rates of adult patients in the intensive care unit (ICU) are high. Most families recover from their bereavement, but some experience complicated grief. Research on bereavement experiences has identified some family issues with the experience, but most studies were done outside of the United States and may present differences.Jones and colleagues interviewed families of patients who had died in the medical-surgical or cardiac ICU within the past 13 months. They found the following 3 main themes:Although bereavement care needs to be individualized, findings show that patients’ families would like support both during and after the ICU experience. The authors remind practitioners to be aware of the impact they have on patients’ families.See Article, pp 312–321Alcohol withdrawal syndrome (AWS) is a medical condition with significant symptoms. The 2 most commonly used AWS assessment tools are The Clinical Institute Withdrawal Assessment (CIWA-Ar) and the Minnesota Detoxification Scale (MINDS). The MINDS has been validated with patients in the intensive care unit (ICU) but the CIWA-Ar has not, and this has led to mismanagement of AWS treatment when transitioning a patient from the ICU to a non-ICU setting.Littlefield and colleagues compared the CIWA-Ar and a modified MINDS tool in order to compare the similarities and found the following:The authors state that the results of this study can advance the care of patients with AWS and be used to improve protocols for patients’ transition from the ICU to other hospital units.See Article, pp 280–286

Acceptability and feasibility of an interprofessional end-of-life/palliative care educational intervention in the intensive care unit: A mixed-methods study

ObjectivesThis study aimed to describe a seven hour End-of-Life/Palliative Care educational intervention including online content related to symptom management, communication and decision-making capacity and an in-person group integration activity, from the perspective of the interprofessional team in terms of its acceptability and feasibility. Research designA mixed-methods study design was used. Setting and sampleThe study was conducted in a medical-surgical Intensive Care Unit in Montreal, Canada. The sample consisted of 27 clinicians of the Intensive Care Unit interprofessional team who completed the End-of-Life/Palliative Care educational intervention, and participated in focus groups and completed a self-administered questionnaire. Main outcome measuresThe main outcomes were the acceptability and feasibility of the educational intervention. FindingsThe intervention was perceived to be appropriate and suitable in providing clinicians with knowledge and skills in symptom management and communication through self-reflection and self-evaluation, provision of assessment tools and promotion of interprofessional teamwork. The online format was more feasible, but the in-person group activity was key for the integration of knowledge and the promotion of interprofessional discussions. ConclusionFindings suggest that an interprofessional educational intervention integrating on-line content with in-person training has the potential to support clinicians in providing quality End-of-Life/Palliative Care in the Intensive Care Unit.

Impact of the driving pressure on mortality in obese and non-obese ARDS patients: a retrospective study of 362 cases.

The relation between driving pressure (plateau pressure-positive end-expiratory pressure) and mortality has never been studied in obese ARDS patients. The main objective of this study was to evaluate the relationship between 90-day mortality and driving pressure in an ARDS population ventilated in the intensive care unit (ICU) according to obesity status. We conducted a retrospective single-center study of prospectively collected data of all ARDS patients admitted consecutively to a mixed medical-surgical adult ICU from January 2009 to May 2017. Plateau pressure, compliance of the respiratory system (Crs) and driving pressure of the respiratory system within 24h of ARDS diagnosis were compared between survivors and non-survivors at day 90 and between obese (body mass index ≥ 30kg/m2) and non-obese patients. Cox proportional hazard modeling was used for mortality at day 90. Three hundred sixty-two ARDS patients were included, 262 (72%) non-obese and 100 (28%) obese patients. Mortality rate at day 90 was respectively 47% (95% CI, 40-53) in the non-obese and 46% (95% CI, 36-56) in the obese patients. Driving pressure at day 1 in the non-obese patients was significantly lower in survivors at day 90 (11.9 ± 4.2cmH2O) than in non-survivors (15.2 ± 5.2cmH2O, p < 0.001). Contrarily, in obese patients, driving pressure at day1 was not significantly different between survivors (13.7 ± 4.5cmH2O) and non-survivors (13.2 ± 5.1cmH2O, p = 0.41) at day 90. After three multivariate Cox analyses, plateau pressure [HR = 1.04 (95% CI 1.01-1.07) for each point of increase], Crs [HR = 0.97 (95% CI 0.96-0.99) for each point of increase] and driving pressure [HR = 1.07 (95% CI 1.04-1.10) for each point of increase], respectively, were independently associated with 90-day mortality in non-obese patients, but not in obese patients. Contrary to non-obese ARDS patients, driving pressure was not associated with mortality in obese ARDS patients.

Intra-Abdominal Hypertension Is More Common Than Previously Thought: A Prospective Study in a Mixed Medical-Surgical ICU.

To determine the prevalence of intra-abdominal hypertension in mixed medical-surgical critically ill patients using modern definitions and measurement techniques. Secondarily to determine variables associated with intra-abdominal hypertension and ICU mortality. A prospective observational study. Single institution trauma, medical and surgical ICU in Canada. Consecutive adult patients admitted to the ICU (n = 285). Intra-abdominal pressure measurements twice a day during admission to the ICU. In 285 patients who met inclusion criteria, 30% were diagnosed with intra-abdominal hypertension at admission and a further 15% developed intra-abdominal hypertension during admission. The prevalence of abdominal compartment syndrome was 3%. Obesity, sepsis, mechanical ventilation, and 24-hour fluid balance (> 3 L) were all independent predictors for intra-abdominal hypertension. Intra-abdominal hypertension occurred in 28% of nonventilated patients. Admission type (medical vs surgical vs trauma) was not a significant predictor of intra-abdominal hypertension. Overall ICU mortality was 20% and was significantly higher for patients with intra-abdominal hypertension (30%) compared with patients without intra-abdominal hypertension (11%). Intra-abdominal hypertension of any grade was an independent predictor of mortality (odds ratio, 3.33; 95% CI, 1.46-7.57). Intra-abdominal hypertension is common in both surgical and nonsurgical patients in the intensive care setting and was found to be independently associated with mortality. Despite prior reports to the contrary, intra-abdominal hypertension develops in nonventilated patients and in patients who do not have intra-abdominal hypertension at admission. Intra-abdominal pressure monitoring is inexpensive, provides valuable clinical information, and there may be a role for its routine measurement in the ICU. Future work should evaluate the impact of early interventions for patients with intra-abdominal hypertension.

Long-term use of selective digestive decontamination in an ICU highly endemic for bacterial resistance

BackgroundWe examined whether long-term use of selective digestive tract decontamination (SDD) was effective in reducing intensive care unit (ICU)-acquired infection and antibiotic consumption while decreasing colistin-, tobramycin-, and most of the antibiotic-resistant colonization rates in a mixed ICU with a high endemic level of multidrug-resistant bacteria (MDRB).MethodsIn this cohort study, which was conducted in a 30-bed medical-surgical ICU, clinical outcomes before (1 year, non-SDD group) and after (4 years) implementation of SDD were compared. ICU patients who were expected to require tracheal intubation for > 48 hours were given a standard prophylactic SDD regimen. Oropharyngeal and rectal swabs were obtained on admission and once weekly thereafter.ResultsICU-acquired infections occurred in 110 patients in the non-SDD group and in 258 in the SDD group. A significant (P < 0.001) reduction of infections caused by MDRB (risk ratio [RR], 0.31; 95% CI, 0.23–0.41) was found after SDD and was associated with low rates of colistin- and tobramycin-resistant colonization. Colistin- and tobramycin-acquired increasing rate of ICU colonization resistance by 1000 days, adjusted by the rate of resistances at admission, was nonsignificant (0.82; 95% CI, 0.56 to 1.95; 1.13; 95% CI, 0.75 to 1.70, respectively). SDD was also a protective factor for ICU-acquired infections caused by MDR gram-negative pathogens and Acinetobacter baumannii in the multivariate analysis. In addition, a significant (P < 0.001) reduction of ventilator-associated pneumonia (VAP) (RR, 0.43; 95% CI, 0.32–0.59) and secondary bloodstream infection (BSI) (RR, 0.35; 95% CI, 0.24–0.52) was found. A decrease in antibiotic consumption was also observed.ConclusionsTreatment with SDD during 4 years was effective in an ICU setting with a high level of resistance, with clinically relevant reductions of infections caused by MDRB, and with low rates of colistin- and tobramycin-resistant colonization with nonsignificant increasing rate of ICU colonization resistance by 1000 days, adjusted by the rate of resistances at ICU admission. In addition, VAP and secondary BSI rates were significantly lower after SDD. Notably, a decrease in antimicrobial consumption was also observed.

Association between troponin-I levels and outcome in critically ill patients admitted to non-cardiac intensive care unit with high prevalence of cardiovascular risk factors

BackgroundThe association of troponin-I levels and outcome in medical-surgical ICU patients has been studied before in populations with low to moderate prevalence of cardiovascular risk factors. The objective in this article is to examine the association of troponin-I levels with hospital mortality in patients with high prevalence of cardiovascular risk factors who were admitted with medical-surgical indications to a non-cardiac intensive care unit.MethodsThis was a retrospective study of adult patients admitted to a tertiary medical-surgical ICU between July 2001 and November 2011. Data were extracted from prospectively collected ICU and clinical laboratory databases. Patients were stratified based on the highest troponin-I level in the first 72 h of admission into four groups (Group I < 0.03, Group II = 0.03–0.3, Group III = 0.3–3 and Group IV > 3 ng/mL). Hospital mortality was the primary outcome. To study the association between elevated troponin-I and hospital mortality, we carried out multivariate logistic regression analyses with Group I as a reference group.ResultsDuring the study period, 3368 patients had troponin-I levels measured in the first 72 h, of whom 1293 (38.3%) were diabetic and 1356 (40.2%) were chronically hypertensive. Among the study population, 2719 (81%) had elevated troponin-I levels (0.03 ng/mL and higher). Hospital mortality increased steadily as the troponin-I levels increased. Hospital mortality was 23.4% for Group I, 33.2% for Group II (adjusted odds ratio (aOR) 1.08, 95% confidence interval (CI) 0.84, 1.38), 49.6% for Group III (aOR = 1.64, 95% CI 1.24, 2.17), and 57.4% for Group IV (aOR 1.80, 95% CI 1.30, 2.49). The association of increased mortality with increased troponin level was observed whether patients had underlying advanced heart failure or not. Subgroup analysis showed an increased mortality in patients aged < 50 years, non-diabetics and not on vasopressors.ConclusionIn a population with high prevalence of diabetes and hypertension, elevated troponin-I was frequently observed in medical-surgical critically ill patients, and showed a level-dependent association with hospital mortality.

Association between \u03b2-blocker use and mortality in critically ill patients: a nested cohort study

Backgroundβ-blockers have several indications in critically ill patients and are commonly used. The aim of this study is to examine the relationship between the use of β-blockers in critically ill patients and mortality.MethodsThis was a nested cohort study in which all medical-surgical ICU patients (N = 523) enrolled in a randomized clinical trial of intensive insulin therapy (ISRCTN07413772) were grouped according to β-blocker use during ICU stay. To account for the indication of β-blockers, we constructed a propensity score using selected clinically-relevant and statistically-significant variables related to β-blocker exposure and outcome. The primary endpoints were all-cause ICU and hospital mortality. Secondary endpoints were the development of severe sepsis during ICU stay, ICU and hospital length of stay, and mechanical ventilation duration. Using multivariable models, we adjusted the associations of β-blockers and these outcomes to the propensity score.ResultsOf the 523 patients enrolled in the study, 89 (17.0%) received β-blockers during their ICU stay. There were no significant associations between β-blocker therapy and ICU mortality (adjusted odds ratio [aOR] 1.56, 95% confidence interval [CI] 0.83–2.9, P = 0.16), hospital mortality (aOR 1.09, 95% CI 0.99–1.20, P = 0.73), the risk of ICU-acquired severe sepsis (aOR 1.67, 95% CI 0.95–2.97, P = 0.08), mechanical ventilation duration (P = 0.17), or ICU length of stay (P = 0.22). However, β-blocker use was associated with increased ICU and hospital mortality among nondiabetic patients (aOR 2.93, 95% CI 1.19–7.23, and 2.43, 95% CI 1.05–5.64, respectively).ConclusionsOur study showed that β-blockers during the ICU stay had no significant association with mortality or morbidity. However, β-blocker therapy was associated with increased mortality in non-diabetic patients.Trial registrationISRCTN07413772; (dated 13.07.2005).

Mobilization Therapy in the Pediatric Intensive Care Unit: A Multidisciplinary Quality Improvement Initiative.

Mobilization is safe and associated with improved outcomes in critically ill adults, but little is known about mobilization of critically ill children. To implement a standardized mobilization therapy protocol in a pediatric intensive care unit and improve mobilization of patients. A goal-directed mobilization protocol was instituted as a quality improvement project in a 20-bed cardiac and medical-surgical pediatric intensive care unit within an academic tertiary care center. The mobilization goal was based on age and severity of illness. Data on severity of illness, ordered activity limitations, baseline functioning, mobilization level, complications of mobilization, and mobilization barriers were collected. Goal mobilization was defined as a ratio of mobilization level to severity of illness of 1 or greater. In 9 months, 567 patient encounters were analyzed, 294 (52%) of which achieved goal mobilization. The mean ratio of mobilization level to severity of illness improved slightly but nonsignificantly. Encounters that met mobilization goals were in younger (P = .04) and more ill (P < .001) patients and were less likely to have barriers (P < .001) than encounters not meeting the goals. Complication rate was 2.5%, with no difference between groups (P = .18). No serious adverse events occurred. A multidisciplinary, multiprofessional, goal-directed mobilization protocol achieved goal mobilization in more than 50% of patients in this pediatric intensive care unit. Undermobilized patients were older, less ill, and more likely to have mobilization barriers at the patient and provider level.

Critical Care Nurses' Experiences With Spiritual Care: The SPIRIT Study.

Little is known about the effect of chaplains on critical care nurses who are caring for critically ill patients and their families. To understand nurses' experiences when they make a referral to the Spiritual Care Department for a patient or the family of a patient who is dying or deceased. Specific aims were to explore spiritual care's effect on nurses and how nurses understand the role of spiritual care in practice. A qualitative descriptive study using in-person, semistructured interviews in a 21-bed medical-surgical intensive care unit in a teaching hospital. Purposeful sampling identified nurses who had at least 5 years of experience and had cared for at least 5 patients who died on their shift and at least 5 patients for whom they initiated a spiritual care referral. Interviews were digitally recorded and anonymized; conventional content analysis was used to analyze transcripts. Three investigators independently coded 5 transcripts and developed the preliminary coding list. As analysis proceeded, investigators organized codes into categories and themes. A total of 25 nurses were interviewed. The central theme that emerged was presence, described through 3 main categories: the value of having chaplains present in the intensive care unit and their role, nurses' experiences working with chaplains, and nurses' experiences providing spiritual care. Nurses considered spiritual care essential to holistic care and valued the support chaplains provide to patients, families, and staff in today's spiritually diverse society.

Associations of hyperosmolar medications administered via nasogastric or nasoduodenal tubes and feeding adequacy, food intolerance and gastrointestinal complications amongst critically ill patients: A retrospective study

Adequate nutrition is essential during critical illness. However, providing adequate nutrition is often hindered by gastro-intestinal complications, including feeding intolerance. It is suggested that hyperosmolar medications could be causally involved in the development of gastro-intestinal complications. The aims of the present study were 1) to determine the osmolality of common enterally administered dissolved medications and 2) to study the associations between nasogastric and nasoduodenal administered hyperosmolar medications and nutritional adequacy as well as food intolerance and gastro-intestinal symptoms. This retrospective observational cohort study was performed in a medical-surgical ICU in the Netherlands. Adult critically ill patients receiving enteral nutrition and admitted for a minimum ICU duration of 7 days were eligible. The osmolalities of commonly used enterally administrated medications were measured using an osmometer. Patients were divided in two groups: Use of hyperosmolar medications (>500mOsm/kg) on at least one day during the first week versus none. The associations between the use of hyperosmolar medications and nutritional adequacy were assessed using multiple logistic regression analysis. The associations between hyperosmolar medication and food intolerance as well as gastrointestinal symptoms were assessed using ordinal logistic regression. In total 443 patients met the inclusion criteria. Of the assessed medications, only three medications were found hyperosmolar. We observed no associations between the use of hyperosmolar medications and nutritional adequacy in the first week of ICU admission (caloric intake β-0.27 95%CI -1.38; 0.83, protein intake β 0.32 95%CI -0.90; 1.53). In addition, no associations were found for enteral feeding intolerance, diarrhea, obstipation, gastric residual volume, nausea and vomiting in ICU patients receiving hyperosmolar medications via a nasogastric tube. A subgroup analysis of patients on duodenal feeding showed that postpyloric administration of hyperosmolar medications was associated with increased risk of diarrhea (OR 138.7 95%CI 2.33; 8245). Our results suggest that nasogastric administration of hyperosmolar medication via a nasogastric tube does not affect nutritional adequacy, development of enteral feeding intolerance and other gastro-intestinal complications during the first week after ICU admission. During nasoduodenal administration an increased diarrhea incidence may be encountered.

Lung Ultrasound Prior to Spontaneous Breathing Trial Is Not Helpful in the Decision to Wean.

Lung ultrasound is increasingly becoming a diagnostic tool in the critical care setting. B-pattern on a lung ultrasound is an artifact composed of multiple B-lines and correlates with interstitial edema. A randomized controlled trial concluded that bedside thoracic ultrasound could predict postextubation distress through changes in lung aeration during a weaning procedure; however, it could not screen patients before performance of a spontaneous breathing trial (SBT). We conducted a 2-year, prospective, multicenter, observational study in 2 adult medical-surgical ICUs in southern Brazil. All enrolled subjects met eligibility criteria for ventilation liberation. Patients with tracheostomy were excluded. Lung ultrasound was performed immediately before SBT. B-predominance was defined as any profile with anterior bilateral B-pattern. The primary outcome was SBT failure, defined as the inability to tolerate a T-piece trial of 30-120 min, in which case subjects were not extubated. From 2011 to 2013, 250 subjects undergoing weaning procedures were evaluated. SBT failure occurred in 51 (20.4%) subjects. Subjects with a successful SBT were extubated on the first attempt in 75.6% of cases. B-predominance was a very weak predictor for SBT outcome, showing 47% sensitivity, 64% specificity, 25% positive predictive value, and 82% negative predictive value. B-pattern detected by a simplified lung ultrasound protocol should not preclude hemodynamically stable, sufficiently oxygenated patients from performing an SBT.

Prevalence of Anxiety and Depression Symptomatology in Adolescents Faced With the Hospitalization of a Loved One in the ICU.

ICU experience is linked to anxiety and depression symptomatology in family members of patients. Minors may be forbidden from visiting. To bring practices in line with evidence, we determined the prevalence of anxiety and depression symptomatology in adolescents visiting a relative in the ICU. One-year prospective observational monocenter study. Medical-surgical ICU, University Hospital of Martinique. Forty-one patients intubated for more than 2 days; 53 adolescents (12-17 yr) first- to third-degree relatives in regular contact (minimum once a month) with patient before hospitalization. Adolescents with unrestricted ICU access completed a satisfaction survey, anxiety history questionnaire, and psychometric evaluation (Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale) before the patient's 15th day of hospitalization and extubation. Forty adolescents (75.5%) visited their relative. Possible and probable anxiety and depression symptomatology prevalence was 35.9% and 18.9%, respectively, with no significant difference according to ICU visiting status. Most (80%) reported a lack of information, 40% insufficient consideration, and 27.5% misunderstood the reason for hospitalization. Two (5%) regretted visiting. Probable anxiety and depression symptomatology was associated with first-degree relationship (odds ratio, 9.1 [95% CI, 1.1-78.9]; p = 0.045), past exposure to a traumatic event (odds ratio, 8.7 [1.1-69.0]; p = 0.040) and past sense of threat (odds ratio, 10.4 [1.1-94.5]; p = 0.038). Anxiety and depression symptomatology is common in adolescent family members of ICU patients. An open visiting policy for adolescents is recommended, with visit planning, information meetings, and individual support from ICU staff.

Differences in work environment for staff as an explanation for variation in central line bundle compliance in intensive care units.

Central line-associated bloodstream infections (CLABSIs) are a common and costly quality problem, and their prevention is a national priority. A decade ago, researchers identified an evidence-based bundle of practices that reduce CLABSIs. Compliance with this bundle remains low in many hospitals. The aim of this study was to assess whether differences in core aspects of work environments-workload, quality of relationships, and prioritization of quality-are associated with variation in maximal CLABSI bundle compliance, that is, compliance 95%-100% of the time in intensive care units (ICUs). A cross-sectional study of hospital medical-surgical ICUs in the United States was done. Data on work environment and bundle compliance were obtained from the Prevention of Nosocomial Infections and Cost-Effectiveness Refined Survey completed in 2011 by infection prevention directors, and data on ICU and hospital characteristics were obtained from the National Healthcare Safety Network. Factor and multilevel regression analyses were conducted. Reasonable workload and prioritization of quality were positively associated with maximal CLABSI bundle compliance. High-quality relationships, although a significant predictor when evaluated apart from workload and prioritization of quality, had no significant effect after accounting for these two factors. Aspects of the staff work environment are associated with maximal CLABSI bundle compliance in ICUs. Our results suggest that hospitals can foster improvement in ensuring maximal CLABSI bundle compliance-a crucial precursor to reducing CLABSI infection rates-by establishing reasonable workloads and prioritizing quality.