Patients In Critical Care Settings Research Articles

1706. Risk factors for infections caused by extended spectrum beta lactamase (ESBL) producing and Carbapenem-resistant Enterobacterales (CRE) in pediatric critical care settings: A case control study

Abstract Background Infections due to Gram negative resistant bacterial pathogens are a major concern in intensive care units. The purpose of this study is to determine the risk factors for developing ESBL-producing and CRE infections in pediatric patients in critical care settings (PICU and NICU). Methods A retrospective case control study of infections due to ESBL-producing and CRE during a 5-year period (2016-2021) at Children’s Hospital of Michigan, Detroit. All patients had positive cultures during their PICU/NICU stay. Control cases were matched for age, infection site and year of infection but their cultures grew Enterobacterales that were non-ESBL or carbapenemase producers. Results A total of 58 patients with ESBL/Carbapenemase-producing Enterobacterales (cases) and 59 control patients were included. Majority of organisms were E. coli and Klebsiella species recovered from respiratory tract. There was no difference in both groups in regards to age, gender, race or length of hospital stay (p >0.3). There was no difference in prior hospital admission, PICU or NICU stay during the previous 6 months, indwelling devices, comorbid conditions, or surgery in the last 6 months (p >0.3). However, the presence of gastrostomy tube was more frequent in the cases group (29.3%) than the control group (15.3%) (p=0.078). Risk factors by univariate analysis included history of antibiotic use in last 6 months (93% in cases vs 73% in controls; p=0.006), cephalosporins use > 14 days (67% vs 31.2%; p=0.006),Trimethoprim/Sulfamethoxazole treatment duration > 14 days (11.1% vs 0%; p=0.012), carbapenem treatment duration > 14 days (14% vs 1.9%; p=0.027), and vancomycin use > 14 days (43.6% vs 21.6%; p=0.053). However, multivariate logistic regression analysis showed that antibiotic usage in the last 6 months was the single best predictor for cases with odds ratio of 5.02-fold (95% CI 1.56-16.13) (p=0.007). Conclusion Prior broad spectrum antibiotic usage was significantly associated with acquisition of ESBL and carbapenemase producing Enterobacterales. The study further underscores the need for optimizing antimicrobial stewardship practices to limit unnecessary and prolonged use of antibiotics to prevent the emergence of resistant pathogens. Disclosures All Authors: No reported disclosures

Yoğun bakım ünitesinde lenfoma tanısı ile takip edilen hastalarda sağkalımı etkileyen faktörler

Purpose: This retrospective analysis aimed to elucidate the key factors influencing survival outcomes in patients diagnosed with lymphoma and admitted to an Intensive Care Unit (ICU). 
 Materials and Methods: The study cohort comprised individuals aged 18 or older diagnosed with lymphoma and admitted to the ICU between November 2015 and February 2023. Data were collected on patients' demographic characteristics, primary hematological diagnoses, reasons for ICU admission, laboratory parameters, Acute Physiology and Chronic Health Evaluation (APACHE) II scores, Sequential Organ Failure Assessment (SOFA) scores, clinical trajectory, and 28-day mortality rates. Patients were stratified into two categories based on their mortality outcomes: Survivors and non-survivors.
 Results: A total of 165 patients were included in the study, with a mean age of 52.41 ± 17.99 years; 63% were male. Table 1 summarizes the demographic characteristics, clinical trajectories, and 28-day mortality rates. The APACHE II and SOFA scores of the patients were 34 (7–53) and 12 (10–14), respectively. The predominant reasons for ICU admission were sepsis (58.2%) and acute respiratory failure (57.6%). Vasopressor necessity prior to and during ICU stay was 23.6% and 92.4%, respectively. During ICU monitoring, thrombocytopenia, and acute kidney injury (AKI) were observed in 77.6% and 66.4% of patients, respectively; 10% required renal replacement therapy. The 28-day mortality rate was 84.8%. Kaplan-Meier analysis revealed that patients with a SOFA score ≥ 9 had a significantly reduced survival time of 4.5 ± 0.4 days compared to those with lower SOFA scores (14.3 ± 2.6 days). Patients with AKI and those requiring invasive mechanical ventilation (IMV) exhibited reduced survival times of 4.7 ± 0.5 days and 5.6 ± 0.5 days, respectively. Elevated SOFA scores (HR 2.355, 95% CI 1.485–3.734), presence of AKI (HR 1.511, 95% CI 1.055–2.163), and the need for IMV (HR 5.721, 95% CI 1.377–23.770) were significantly correlated with increased 28-day mortality. Receiver Operating Characteristic (ROC) curve analysis identified the optimal SOFA cut-off point for predicting 28-day mortality as nine, with an Area Under the Curve (AUC) of 0.897, sensitivity 83.6% and specificity 92%.
 Conclusions: The findings of this study underscore the elevated mortality rates among lymphoma patients admitted to the ICU. Our data suggest that several factors serve as significant predictors of 28-day mortality in this patient population. Specifically, elevated APACHE II scores, SOFA scores, the presence of AKI, and the requirement for IMV emerged as crucial indicators associated with adverse survival outcomes. Consequently, these factors warrant meticulous monitoring and could inform targeted interventions to improve survival rates among lymphoma patients in critical care settings.

COPING WITH DEATH ANXIETY AND AWARENESS: EXPERIENCE WITH COVID-19 PATIENTS IN NEW YORK

Introduction: The global challenge that the Covid-19 pandemic represented for humanity, included local experiences and encounters from which helpful lessons may be drawn.
 Objectives: The primary objective was to assess and document death anxiety and death awareness among hospitalized intensive care unit (ICU) patients diagnosed with COVID-19 in a community-based teaching hospital. The secondary one was to reflect on mental health clinicians’ therapeutic styles and skills when caring for patients in critical care settings.
 Methods: A series of hospitalized ICU patients diagnosed with COVID-19 at the height of the pandemic in New York City were evaluated in this study. Patients’ psychological distress symptoms, death awareness, and death anxiety were measured using the Revised Death Anxiety Scale. Seventeen COVID-19 positive patients with various comorbidities who had been admitted to the ICU at Staten Island University Hospital were compared with seventeen COVID-19 negative patients with various comorbidities who had been seen and evaluated on the same ward over the same time period. The Revised Death Anxiety Scale (25 items) was used on all subjects by the deployed psychiatrists. The clinicians’ experiences as recorded through diaries during this time were examined and reflected on.
 Results: Out of seventeen COVID-19 positive patients who participated in this case series, eleven responded with heigh death anxiety scores as compared to the seventeen COVID-19 negative patients in which only three subjects were observed to have high scores. From the very beginning, the COVID-19 pandemic brought to the forefront massive challenges for both psychiatrists and patients. These challenges immediately affected rapport-building, often leading to an atmosphere of trust, but also exposing patients to additional distress. Prior to furthering and facilitating therapeutic dialogue, psychiatrists had to “anesthetize the therapeutic situation,” decrease the arousal level and be attentive throughout the encounter. This attentiveness had to be individually organized and modulated as patients displayed different personality styles, with variations in their internal world and severity of medical condition. In due course, individual patterns of reactions were observed such as fantasies concerning isolation and separation, contrasting attachment styles, need for punishment and guilt feelings and activation of panic and helplessness. The latter was particularly challenging as both patient and physician could become easily trapped in feeling helpless and confused, with strong interpersonal and relational overlays. Compassionate gestures and sensibility in connectedness conveyed vitality and much needed hope.
 Discussion and Conclusions: Although death anxiety and death awareness seemed overwhelmingly prevalent among the COVID-19 positive patients in comparison to COVID-19 negative patients, differences have been observed in terms of being age-specific, having multiple comorbidities compounding on COVID-19 positive status (e.g., obesity and COPD). In general, the acute psychological distress of patients improved with medical treatment and when stabilized they were moved out of the ICU. Patients with high scores who had a COVID-19 positive status tended to have increased stay in the ICU. Future studies should assess the long-term consequences of COVID-19 on patients’ general mental health and particularly death awareness and death anxiety. Additionally, health systems may use similar studies to understand the labor and costs borne by mental health clinicians as well as other clinicians working in such settings. In terms of medical education and liaison work, such research may inform training of clinicians in internal medicine, critical care, and mental health.

Readiness to care and factors influencing readiness to care for patients in the intensive care units among novice nurses

Problem consideredNurses are the heart and soul of any healthcare institution. A skilled, qualified nurse with the readiness to care for patients in critical care setting is the dire need for today's world. MethodsA cross-sectional descriptive survey was conducted among novice nurses working in the selected tertiary care hospitals to assess the readiness to care for patients in the intensive care unit (ICU) and the factors influencing readiness to care. The sample were selected using purposive sampling technique. ResultsThe majority 157 (52.4%) had moderate readiness, 143 (47.6%) novice nurses had high readiness to care for patients in ICUs. The top six factors expressed by the participants were: knowledge of the fundamental subjects 292(97.3%), continuing nursing education 278(92.7%), feedback by peers and superiors 283(94.3%), internal motivation 277(93.3%), communication skills 277(92.3%), and proper documentation of care given 278(92.7%). There was a statistically significant association between readiness to care and gender (χ2 = 9.060; p = .011), area of work (χ2 = 10.009; p = .040), duration of clinical exposure in ICUs during the course of study (χ2 = 18.301; p = .011), duration of clinical experience during final year of training (χ2 = 10.315; p = .016), specific ICU related training (χ2 = 6.511; p = .011), and duration of induction programme (χ2 = 50.23; p= <.001) ConclusionThe novice nurses had moderate readiness to practice in ICUs. The nursing educational sector and the nursing service sector can devise certain structures which can help increase the readiness of novice nurses to work in ICUs by focusing on the factors identified.

P161 Epidemiological trends of Candida species in urine culture— a retrospective study in a tertiary care hospital in Punjab

Poster session 2, September 22, 2022, 12:30 PM - 1:30 PMObjectivesThe presence of Candida species in the urine (Candiduria) is a typical clinical observation, especially in hospitalized patients. It is more common in immunocompromised persons, in bone marrow transplant unit (BMTU) patients, and in those who are in intensive care units (ICUs). Urinary tract infections (UTIs) can be caused by any Candida species. Now, non-albicans Candida species prevail in many locations around the world. Urinary tract instrumentation, past antibiotic usage, lengthy hospital stay, extremes of age, diabetes mellitus, female gender, and immunosuppressive medication are all risk factors for candiduria. Candiduria represents colonization in the majority of adult patients in critical care settings, and antifungal medication is not necessary. The presence of yeast in the urine, on the other hand, can indicate a widespread illness. Candiduria often indicates widespread candidiasis in severely unwell newborns and is followed by blocking fungus ball development in the urinary tract.MethodsA retrospective study was conducted at Christian Medical College and Hospital, Ludhiana from March 1, 2020 to March 31, 2022. The acquired urine samples were promptly processed in the microbiological laboratory using a semi-quantitative culture technique in accordance with normal protocols. All of the yeast isolates were processed further on Corn meal agar (CMA) for further speciation.ResultsOut of the 9729 urine samples received, there was culture growth for Candida species in 511 (5.25%) samples. Amongst the patients who had candiduria, 180 (35.22%) patients were immunocompromised. Out of 511 Candida isolates, 122 (23.87%) were Candida albicans and 389 (76.12%) were non-albicans Candida. Further speciation of non-albicans Candida indicated the prevalence of C. glabrata, C. tropicalis, C. krusei, C. parapsilosis, and C. guielliermondii as 98 (19.17%), 89 (17.41%), 78 (15.26%), 78 (15.26%) and 46 (9%) respectively.ConclusionThe most prevalent healthcare-associated infection is nosocomial UTI. Candida species is becoming a more common cause of nosocomial urinary tract infections. C. albicans was the most common species isolated from the urinary system for many years. Now, non-albicans Candida species have emerged as a result of the introduction and widespread usage of fluconazole. These non-albicans species may be more difficult to remove than C. albicans because they are more adapted to the kidney and collecting system. With controlling underlying diabetes, daily assessment of need of urinary catheterization, early removal of catheter, surgical removal of obstruction of urinary tract and timely de-escalation of antibiotics can prevent candiduria in most of the cases. Thus, we can avoid antifungal therapy which may contribute to the resistance.

A Retrospective Cohort Study Evaluating the Use of the Modified Early Warning Score to Improve Outcome Prediction in Neurosurgical Patients.

IntroductionThe modified early warning score (mEWS) has been used to identify decompensating patients in critical care settings, potentially leading to better outcomes and safer, more cost-effective patient care. We examined whether the admission or maximum mEWS of neurosurgical patients was associated with outcomes and total patient costs across neurosurgical procedures.MethodsThis retrospective cohort study included all patients hospitalized at a quaternary care hospital for neurosurgery procedures during 2019. mEWS were automatically generated during a patient’s hospitalization from data available in the electronic medical record. Primary and secondary outcome measures were the first mEWS at admission, maximum mEWS during hospitalization, length of stay (LOS), discharge disposition, mortality, cost of hospitalization, and patient biomarkers (i.e., white blood cell count, erythrocyte sedimentation rate, C-reactive protein, and procalcitonin).ResultsIn 1,408 patients evaluated, a mean first mEWS of 0.5 ± 0.9 (median: 0) and maximum mEWS of 2.6 ± 1.4 (median: 2) were observed. The maximum mEWS was achieved on average one day (median = 0 days) after admission and correlated with other biomarkers (p < 0.0001). Scores correlated with continuous outcomes (i.e., LOS and cost) distinctly based on disease types. Multivariate analysis showed that the maximum mEWS was associated with longer stay (OR = 1.8; 95% CI = 1.6-1.96, p = 0.0001), worse disposition (OR = 0.82, 95% CI = 0.71-0.95, p = 0.0001), higher mortality (OR = 1.7; 95% CI = 1.3-2.1, p = 0.0001), and greater cost (OR = 1.2, 95% CI = 1.1-1.3, p = 0.001). Machine learning algorithms suggested that logistic regression, naïve Bayes, and neural networks were most predictive of outcomes.ConclusionmEWS was associated with outcomes in neurosurgical patients and may be clinically useful. The composite score could be integrated with other clinical factors and was associated with LOS, discharge disposition, mortality, and patient cost. mEWS also could be used early during a patient's admission to stratify risk. Increase in mEWS scores correlated with the outcome to a different degree in distinct patient/disease types. These results show the potential of the mEWS to predict outcomes in neurosurgical patients and suggest that it could be incorporated into clinical decision-making and/or monitoring of neurosurgical patients during admission. However, further studies and refinement of mEWS are needed to better integrate it into patient care.

Potentials and Challenges of Pervasive Sensing in the Intensive Care Unit.

Patients in critical care settings often require continuous and multifaceted monitoring. However, current clinical monitoring practices fail to capture important functional and behavioral indices such as mobility or agitation. Recent advances in non-invasive sensing technology, high throughput computing, and deep learning techniques are expected to transform the existing patient monitoring paradigm by enabling and streamlining granular and continuous monitoring of these crucial critical care measures. In this review, we highlight current approaches to pervasive sensing in critical care and identify limitations, future challenges, and opportunities in this emerging field.

The Effect of Foot Massage on Pain Severity, Hemodynamic Parameters, and Mechanical Ventilation Weaning Time among Patients in Critical Care Settings

The Effect of Foot Massage on Pain Severity, Hemodynamic Parameters, and Mechanical Ventilation Weaning Time among Patients in Critical Care Settings

Obstetric risk factors requiring intensive care admission

Management of high risk obstetric patients in critical care setting is challenged by altered physiology of pregnancy and concerns for the viability of the fetus. Pregnant patients, although young and healthy are at risk of developing thromboembolic complications, hemorrhage and infections. Obstetric hemorrhage, pre-eclampsia, cardiac diseases and sepsis are the main reasons for ICU admission in obstetric population. Delay in the diagnosis and correction of correctable conditions can ultimately require intensive care admission. There is a contrast in the overall incidence and prevalence of intensive care unit admission between developed and developing countries. Early clinical suspicion, timely referral and early institution of critical care of high risk patients may improve maternal outcome. Improvement of healthcare infrastructure and timely referral to tertiary care facilities may help reduce maternal mortality in developing countries.&#x0D; Received: 5 Sep 2018Reviewed: 7 Nov 2018Accepted: 10 Nov 2018&#x0D; Citation: Ismail S, Aman A. Obstetric risk factors requiring intensive care admission. Anaesth Pain &amp; Intensive Care 2018;22 Suppl 1:S129-S132

Do not attempt resuscitation (DNAR) conversation is not only ICU responsibility: experience as an emergency physician in Qatar

In a busy and hectic critical care setting, sometimes an ‘emergency’ Do Not Attempt Resuscitation (DNAR) conversation has to take place to prevent unnecessary ‘futile care’. Traditionally, this is the responsibility of Intensive Care Unit (ICU) doctors after discussion with family members, or by the primary care doctors after discussion with patients themselves prior to them becoming critically ill. Many critically ill patients with known ‘terminal illnesses’ brought to the Emergency Department (ED) in Qatar do not have a DNAR order. Increasingly, DNAR conversation is being undertaken by Emergency Physicians (EP), alongside ICU doctors. Often, these difficult conversations with family members occur in the ED prior to escalating resuscitation, if time permits. In Qatar, three physicians need to sign the DNAR order if they think it is clinically appropriate. Patients or their family members do not need to sign. However, hospital regulation allows it only after discussion with and agreement from them. Often, the DNAR order also includes the maximum intervention agreed. Some family members object the DNAR order, and insist on ‘full resuscitation’ and organ support, despite explanation of the poor prognosis, and the likelihood of non-curable deterioration. This review looks at the current practice, challenges and evolution of ‘emergency’ DNAR conversation in critically ill adult patients in Qatar.There are at least two different ‘opposing’ approaches to DNAR discussion with patients (and more often the case with family members of patients in critical care setting). The most often used is the patients’ choice approach1. In some society, patients discuss openly with their doctors about their condition fairly early on in the course of their illness. When they become critically ill, a similar discussion is undertaken with family members (or surrogates). A lot of emphasis is put on personal choices and preferences. Another approach, is a physician's driven DNAR recommendation when the clinical circumstance is appropriate2. This happens more commonly when patients present to hospital in late stages of their terminal illness (or with acute deterioration) without any DNAR order. In certain societies, DNAR is not generally discussed unless the condition is acute, life-threatening and the likelihood of a meaningful recovery becomes extremely small.Both approaches are probably the two ends of the same spectrum (see Diagram 1). Both involve risk-benefit discussion (and likelihood of success with good outcome) of cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) in the event of deterioration and cardiac arrest. Having agreed on a DNAR status does not mean that the patient will get substandard care. Patients and families have to be reassured of this fact. Given the appropriate care, many patients with DNAR status recover from their acute illness episodes and are successfully discharged home after emergency hospitalization3. An appropriate DNAR order will guide the medical team (doctors and nurses) to avoid unnecessary ‘futile care’, and hopefully lead to ‘better’ personalized care for patients and their families4.

Staff Perceptions of Chaplains in a Neurosciences Critical Care Unit.

Hospital chaplains often visit critically ill patients, but neurosciences critical care unit (NCCU) staff beliefs surrounding chaplains have not been characterized. In this study, we used Qualtrics® to survey 70 NCCU healthcare workers about their attitudes toward chaplains in the NCCU. Chaplains were seen positively by staff but were less likely to be viewed as part of the care team by staff with more than five years of NCCU experience. The results of this study will allow chaplaincy programs to target staff education efforts in order to enhance the care provided to patients in critical care settings.

Adaptive behavior of clinicians in response to an over-constrained patient safety policy on the administration of concentrated potassium chloride solutions

In response to fatal accidents involving concentrated potassium chloride (KCl) solutions, the Japanese hospital accreditation body released a safety policy in 2004 requiring the use of foolproof diluted KCl solutions throughout hospitals. However, the policy caused difficulties in treating seriously ill patients in critical care settings who require concentrated KCl solutions promptly. Resilient health care (RHC) provides a theoretical perspective for understanding how work is achieved in complex healthcare systems. ‘Work-as-imagined’ (WAI), as it should be done, and ‘work-as-done’ (WAD), as it actually takes place, are core concepts for understanding performance adjustment among individuals. This study aimed to investigate WAD regarding the administration of KCl solutions in the environment changed by WAI according to the authoritative policy.In 2017, we sent questionnaires to 346 critical care physicians. Topics included types of KCl products available in their units, administration methods, need for concentrated KCl solutions, hospital policies, and physician opinions. The response rate was 30.3% (105/346). Thirty-five physicians (33.3%) used conventional products out of compliance with the safety policy. Among 95 physicians using foolproof products, 69 (72.6%) obtained concentrated solutions from the products in an unsafe manner. The gap between WAI and WAD necessitated performance adjustments by physicians that introduced a new risk of adverse events despite the use of safer products.The study demonstrated that RHC theory can be used to inform the development and improvement of patient safety policies. Policy makers need to understand WAD when intervening in complex adaptive systems such as health care.

Exploration of a Simulation-Based Learning Experience in Critical Care: The Use of Standardized Patients for Early Mobility Training

Purpose: The purpose of this study was to examine the influence of a simulation experience, using standardized patients (SPs), on physical therapy students' perceptions of comfort with early mobilization of patients in a critical care environment. Methods: To explore the influence of the simulation experience on students' confidence in the assessment and treatment of critically ill patients, a survey investigating the skills associated with cardiovascular and pulmonary physical therapy was developed and administered before and after the experience. In addition, focus group interviews explored the students' perceptions of the simulation scenarios. Results: Similar to studies using high-fidelity human simulators, students reported increased comfort with the skills required for early rehabilitation of patients in critical care settings. In addition, students discussed the realism of scenarios, the practical application of previously acquired knowledge, and the need to adapt to the patient response during the scenarios. Conclusions: With the advancement of the simulation technology, SPs can be used to accurately portray patients in critical care units. The use of SPs allows for the unrestricted ability to mobilize the patient and, therefore, the ability to practice the skills associated with early rehabilitation in the intensive care setting.

Evaluation of inhaled salbutamol effectiveness under supportive use of electrical impedance tomography in ventilated ICU patients: study protocol for a randomised controlled clinical trial

IntroductionThe inhalative administration of drugs is a non-invasive application form that is regularly used in the treatment of ventilated patients in critical care setting. However, assessment of effectiveness or distribution...

Comparison of Rapid Centrifugation Technique with Conventional Centrifugation for Prothrombin Time (PT) and Activated Partial Thromboplastin Time (APTT) Testing.

Prothrombin Time (PT) and activated partial thromboplastin time (APTT) are frequently performed coagulation tests in patients with coagulation disorders especially in critical care areas and in monitoring patients on anticoagulation therapy. In coagulation testing, sample processing especially centrifugation is one of the most critical steps that affect turnaround time(TAT). This study was carried out over a period of 1year. Three hundred paired samples from patients sent for PT and APTT estimation were included. One sample was centrifuged in a regular bench top centrifuge at 1500g for 20min. The other sample was divided into two polypropylene aliquots and centrifuged in a microcentrifuge at 13000g for 3min. The plasma obtained from both methods was tested for PT and APTT using the automated method on STA Compact coagulometer (Stago) using commercial thromboplastin STAR-NeoplastineR C1 Plus and phospholipid (cephalin), STAR-C K PRESTR 5 respectively. Data were analyzed using descriptive statistics, Student t test, correlation coefficient and Bland-Altman plots. Mean PT, INR and APTT forboth centrifugation methods was comparable with no statistically significant difference (p > 0.05). PT, INR and APTT also showed good correlation (r > 0.98) when compared between the two methods of centrifugation. Bland-Altman comparison between rapid and conventional methods of centrifugation for PT, INR and APTT also showed acceptable agreement. Rapid centrifugation technique for routine coagulation testing can be used safely with a significant reduction in the TAT. This can benefit patients in critical care settings and those on outpatient oral anticoagulant therapy.

Efficacy of Acupuncture Treatment for Improving the Respiratory Status in Patients Receiving Prolonged Mechanical Ventilation in Intensive Care Units: A Retrospective Observational Study

Patients in critical care settings often require prolonged mechanical ventilation (MV) therapy and, occasionally, they cannot be weaned from MV. The authors evaluated the efficacy of acupuncture treatment for improving the respiratory status and promoting successful weaning from prolonged MV in patients at intensive care units (ICUs). Retrospective observational study. Gifu University Hospital, Gifu, Japan. The authors included 16 tracheostomized patients receiving MV for >21 days at the ICU of Gifu University Hospital, who underwent acupuncture therapy for improving their respiratory status. Acupuncture treatment was conducted in four sessions per week. The data of tidal volume (VT), respiratory rate (RR), heart rate (HR), oxygen saturation as measured by pulse oximetry (SpO2), dynamic lung compliance (Cdyn), rapid shallow breath index (RSBI; RR/VT) values before and immediately after acupuncture were extracted from the medical records. The median number of days on MV before acupuncture initiation was 31 days. VT and Cdyn were significantly increased immediately after acupuncture (all p < 0.001), whereas RR, HR, and RSBI were significantly decreased (all p < 0.05). Eleven patients were successfully weaned from MV after acupuncture initiation. In the weaning success group, VT and Cdyn were significantly increased (all p < 0.01), whereas RR, HR, and RSBI were significantly decreased (all p < 0.05) after acupuncture. Conversely, in the weaning failure group, these values were not changed significantly. The increase in Cdyn after acupuncture was larger in the weaning success group than in the weaning failure group (p < 0.05). Acupuncture treatment might have beneficial effects on the respiratory status of ICU patients receiving MV and may help in weaning from prolonged MV. Further large prospective cohort studies are warranted.

Reducing Physical Restraint Use in Critically Ill Patients

Background: Patients in critical care setting often encounter severe delirium and agitation putting them at risk of harm. So it has become a common trend to restraint patient physically in intensive care units. However, physical restraint has several adverse physical, psychological and ethical consequences. Awareness regarding significant risk associated with physical restraint, continuing education and skills stabilize the patient’s safety and potential complication regarding ethical and legal issues to physical restraint in critical care settings. This study aims to address if any alternatives have been tested regarding physical restraint to improve the patient care for critical care. Methodology: A search conducted using the PubMed, Medline and Google Scholar including physical restraint use in critical care setting from 1994 to 2017. Studies published in English were included whereas articles published in psychiatric care, children and outside the hospital were excluded. The keywords used were critical care, critically ill, ICU patient safety and physical restraint. The Boolean phrases were used to clarify the quality of search results: ‘‘physical restraint & critical care,’’ ‘‘physical restraint & critically ill’’ ‘‘physical restraint & ICU,’’ physical restraint & patient safety.’’ Additionally, reference lists of selected papers were then evaluated further. Results: Enhanced knowledge, focused education and continuing training to improve skills in using restraint alternatives, awareness of the risk, early identification, conduct proper institutional policies and guidelines, and proactive intervention is the significant measures in alleviating physical restraint use in critical care settings. Conclusion: A restraint-free environment not only promotes patient safety but also ensure greater caregivers’ job satisfaction reducing ethical issues.

Role of central venous pressure monitoring in critical care settings.

Central venous pressure (CVP) monitoring is used to assess the fluid status of patients in critical care settings. This article explains CVP monitoring, discussing the rationale for its use, the ways CVP can be measured, and the physiological factors that can affect the reliability and validity of CVP measurement. It also discusses the complications associated with CVP monitoring and the nursing responsibilities in relation to this activity.

Development of the Nurses’ Care Coordination Competency Scale for mechanically ventilated patients in critical care settings in Japan: Part 1 Development of a measuring instrument

ObjectivesTo develop a draft scale measuring nurses’ care coordination competency for care of mechanically ventilated patients in critical care settings. MethodThe scale items and concepts were derived from semi-structured interviews with 28 professionals (14 nurses, eight physicians, three physical therapists, three clinical engineers) who are managing mechanically ventilated critical care patients. A grounded theory approach was used. After content validation by experts, two pilot tests were used to identify and correct non-discriminating items and vague items. After expert approval, the final draft scale was completed. SettingIntensive care units of acute care hospitals in Japan. FindingsA scale was drafted with the following six concepts including 51 items of nurses’ care coordination competency: (1) understanding care coordination needs (2) devising and clearly articulating the care vision (3) aggregating and disseminating information (4) employing resources (5) promoting team cohesion (6) engaging in situation-based negotiating. The interviewed participants argued that these competencies clearly reflect the inter-professional activities required for well-coordinated and individualised care and improved patient outcomes. ConclusionsThese findings could be utilised to educate and train nursesand establish the awareness that coordinating care is the nurses’ responsibility. Future research focusing on its validity and reliability are needed.

Development of the Nurses’ Care Coordination Competency Scale for mechanically ventilated patients in critical care settings in Japan: Part 2 Validation of the scale

ObjectivesTo confirm the validity and reliability of the nurses' care coordination competency draft scale for mechanically ventilated patients in Japan. Design/MethodIn this cross sectional observational study, a draft scale measuring care coordination was distributed to 2189 nurses from 73 intensive care units in Japan from February–March 2016. Based on the valid 887 responses, we examined construct validity including structural validity (exploratory and confirmatory factor analysis), convergent and discriminant validity and internal consistency reliability. Settings73 Intensive care units. ResultsExploratory factor analyses yielded four factors with 22 items: 1) promoting team cohesion, 2) understanding care coordination needs, 3) aggregating and disseminating information, 4) devising and clearly articulating the care vision. The four-factor model was confirmed using a confirmatory factor analysis (confirmatory fit index=0.942, root mean square error of approximation=0.062). Scale scores positively correlated with team leadership and clearly identified and discriminated nurses’ attributes. Cronbach’s alpha coefficient for each subscale was between 0.812 and 0.890, and 0.947 for the total scale. ConclusionsThe Nurses’ Care Coordination Competency Scale with four factors and 22 items had sufficient validity and reliability. The scale could make care coordination visible in nursing practice. Future research on the relationship between this scale and patient outcomes is needed.