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Older adults continue to spend little time engaged in physical activity when hospitalized. The purpose of this study was to (a) describe activity among hospitalized older adults with dementia and (b) identify the association between specific factors (gender, ambulation independence, comorbidities, race, and hospital setting) and their physical activity. This descriptive study utilized baseline data on the first 79 participants from the Function Focused Care for Acute Care using the Evidence Integration Triangle. Multiple linear regression models were run using accelerometry data from the first full day of hospitalization. The participants spent an average of 83.7% of their time being sedentary. Male gender, ambulation independence, and hospital setting (the hospital in which the patient was admitted) were associated with greater activity. This study reports on the limited time spent in activity for older adults with dementia when hospitalized and highlights patient profiles that are particularly vulnerable to sedentary behavior in the hospital setting. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

We propose a multivariate GARCH model for non‐stationary health time series by modifying the observation‐level variance of the standard state space model. The proposed model provides an intuitive and novel way of dealing with heteroskedastic data using the conditional nature of state‐space models. We follow the Bayesian paradigm to perform the inference procedure. In particular, we use Markov chain Monte Carlo methods to obtain samples from the resultant posterior distribution. We use the forward filtering backward sampling algorithm to efficiently obtain samples from the posterior distribution of the latent state. The proposed model also handles missing data in a fully Bayesian fashion. We validate our model on synthetic data and analyze a data set obtained from an intensive care unit in a Montreal hospital and the MIMIC dataset. We further show that our proposed models offer better performance, in terms of WAIC than standard state space models. The proposed model provides a new way to model multivariate heteroskedastic non‐stationary time series data. Model comparison can then be easily performed using the WAIC. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: The cultural competence of nurses is crucial in providing nursing care for patients from different cultures. The absence of cultural competence can negatively impact the entire course of care; however, implementing cultural competence in critical care unit can be complicated. Aim: This study aimed to determine nurses' perceptions regarding cultural competence in critical care units. Study Design: This study used a qualitative design with semi‐structured interviews with nurses (n = 10) working in critical unites. Data were collected from February to June 2022 and then categorized and evaluated. Atlas.ti was used for the inductive thematic content analysis. Results: Three key areas identified were as follows: (1) nurses and culturally competent care in critical care, (2) cultural challenges in practice and (3) suggestions for improving culturally competent care. The participants expressed that culturally competent care in critical care units has specific limitations because of the nature of the intensive care units (ICUs). Additional learning included opportunities to improve culturally competent care, such as raising cultural awareness, developing language skills and promoting culturally competent care. Conclusions: Providing culturally competent care in critical care units is an understudied area. Identifying barriers and cultural challenges is one strategy nurses can use to improve culturally competent ICU care. Relevance to Clinical Practice: Creating cultural awareness by training nurses in their own culture, in cultural diversity, and in overcoming prejudices and stereotypes is an essential step towards increasing cultural competence. Understanding nurses' perceptions on this topic can provide valuable insights into the challenges and opportunities for providing culturally sensitive care in a critical care setting. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose: Person-centred care is widely accepted as being central to high quality care, but little is known about how physiotherapists implement person centred rehabilitation in Intensive Care. This study explores the self-reported experiences and interpretations of physiotherapists delivering person-centred rehabilitation in this setting. Methods: A qualitative study using Interpretative Phenomenological Analysis explored the lived experiences of physiotherapists and students who have worked in Intensive Care. Three focus groups, with four participants in each, were conducted. Data were fully transcribed, analysed and managed using NVivo software. Results: Participants shared similar interpretations about the principles of person-centred care. Operationalising person-centred rehabilitation during early recovery was not easily achievable. As the person's clinical condition improved, participants moved away from routine physiotherapy and their practice became more person-centred through the development of a partnership. Participants connected as humans to understand the person and respond to their needs within a culture that valued person-centred care. Conclusions: Physiotherapists aspire to develop a partnership with their patients by connecting on a human level with them and addressing their biopsychosocial needs. Physiotherapists with experience of developing patient partnerships influence the culture of the Intensive Care team and are role-models to facilitate collaborative person-centred activity in others. IMPLICATIONS FOR REHABILITATION: Physiotherapists can move from a biomedical approach towards becoming partners with patients in an Intensive Care Unit (ICU) as they become cognitively aware. Physiotherapists become person-centred by connecting as humans to the patient and moving towards a biopsychosocial approach that addresses the physical, psychological and instrumental needs of the patient in ICU. When aiming towards a person-centred approach on ICU, physiotherapists contribute to a culture that nurtures the unique patient and works collaboratively with the family and the health care team. Experience working with patients in ICU, allows physiotherapists to identify opportunities to be person-centred and facilitate other team members in becoming so. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In recent years the still relatively new short-acting benzodiazepine remimazolam has been approved and clinically implemented in several countries and regions. Remimazolam is also now approved in the EU and the market launch in Germany is expected in the not too distant future. This is therefore a good point in time to summarize the current evidence for various areas of application, including general anesthesia, sedation and intensive care medicine as well as different dosing schemes. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This article explores the use of transesophageal echocardiography (TEE) during advanced cardiac life support (ACLS) to enhance the effectiveness of cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR). TEE allows for continuous monitoring and improved imaging during CPR, potentially optimizing chest compression quality. However, there is limited evidence on the impact of TEE on patient outcomes. A recent study suggests that avoiding aortic valve compression during CPR may improve the likelihood of achieving and sustaining return of spontaneous circulation (ROSC). Further research is needed to determine long-term outcomes and potential biases in evaluating TEE findings. The article proposes that incorporating TEE as a surrogate for chest compression performance could be beneficial, but more rigorous studies are necessary to demonstrate its effectiveness in improving survival and neurological outcomes. The text also briefly touches on the management of aneurysmal subarachnoid hemorrhage, highlighting the variability in thresholds and triggers for fluid loading and blood transfusions. [Extracted from the article]

The article explores the ethical implications of resuscitation for organ preservation in brain dead patients or those being tested for brain death. It acknowledges the lack of consensus on this issue, with proponents arguing that resuscitation can honor the wishes of donors and benefit organ recipients, while opponents express concerns about exploiting the donor and causing distress to families. The article examines various ethical arguments and principles, emphasizing the importance of respecting autonomy and maximizing utility. It concludes with recommendations based on these considerations. The document provided is a list of references for articles related to organ donation and ethical considerations in the surgical ICU, offering valuable insights for researchers and healthcare professionals interested in these topics. [Extracted from the article]

Critical care trials evaluate the effect of interventions in patients with diverse personal histories and causes of illness, often under the umbrella of heterogeneous clinical syndromes, such as sepsis or acute respiratory distress syndrome. Given this variation, it is reasonable to expect that the effect of treatment on outcomes may differ for individuals with variable characteristics. However, in randomized controlled trials, efficacy is typically assessed by the average treatment effect (ATE), which quantifies the average effect of the intervention on the outcome in the study population. Importantly, the ATE may hide variations of the treatment's effect on a clinical outcome across levels of patient characteristics, which may erroneously lead to the conclusion that an intervention does not work overall when it may in fact benefit certain patients. In this review, we describe methodological approaches for assessing heterogeneity of treatment effect (HTE), including expert-derived subgrouping, data-driven subgrouping, baseline risk modeling, treatment effect modeling, and individual treatment rule estimation. Next, we outline how insights from HTE analyses can be incorporated into the design of clinical trials. Finally, we propose a research agenda for advancing the field and bringing HTE approaches to the bedside. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Inflammatory rheumatic diseases (IRDs), encompassing a broad spectrum of chronic disorders, typically necessitate prolonged therapeutic intervention. Nevertheless, these diseases can sometimes manifest as severe emergencies requiring prompt and extensive medical intervention. Urgent intervention is essential for effectively recognizing and managing these situations, as they have the potential to be life-threatening and can result in severe morbidity and mortality. Emergencies in IRDs can occur with different frequencies and manifestations, including nervous system issues, severe infections, thrombosis-emboli, renal crises, gastrointestinal issues, and cardiovascular events. The fact that these events can occur across different IRDs underscores the necessity for heightened awareness and readiness among healthcare professionals. The pathophysiologic mechanisms that cause rheumatic emergencies are complex and involve multiple factors. These emergencies frequently arise due to the interplay between the inflammatory characteristics of rheumatic diseases and different systemic triggers. Early detection and treatment can have a substantial impact on an individual's prognosis in cases of severe and life-threatening disorders that require prompt recognition. Rapid decision-making and urgent care are required to effectively address rheumatic emergencies, as well as the implementation of a diagnostic flowchart. This article provides an overview of the emergencies linked to IRDs, classifying and assessing them individually. This article aims to enhance healthcare professionals' knowledge and awareness of critical situations by examining current recommendations and pathophysiological information. Implementing standardized diagnostic and treatment methods, providing patient education, and conducting continuing research into the underlying mechanisms are essential for enhancing the management of these critical situations and improving patient outcomes. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This Current Issues piece describes how short-term funding in response to public health emergencies can be put to best use. This is a current issue as many public health agencies are having to respond to these types of funding calls as a consequence of the rising COVID-related health inequalities. We describe how one local authority in the UK commissioned established organisations to address areas of need indicated by community groups. The resulting projects directed support towards people who were likely to experience mental ill-health using an advocacy-based approach. We describe the outcomes for people who used the services as well as giving some 'top tips' for ensuring such short-term funding is successful for the people who most benefit. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Introduction: Fluid accumulation is associated with adverse outcomes in critically ill patients admitted to the intensive care unit (ICU). Fluid administration in the ICU may be a clinically relevant source of fluid accumulation in ICU patients. However, the extent is unknown, and no standard definition exists. We aim to provide epidemiological data on fluid accumulation, risk factors, use of fluid removal strategies, patient outcomes and describe current fluid administration practices in the ICU. Methods: We will conduct an international 14‐day inception cohort study including a minimum of 1000 acutely admitted adult ICU patients. Data will be collected from medical records and laboratory reports at baseline and daily from ICU admission to discharge with a maximum of 28 days. Follow‐up will be performed on day 90 after inclusion. The primary outcome is the number of patients with fluid accumulation. Secondary outcomes include the number of days with fluid accumulation, use of active fluid removal, days alive without life support at day 28, days alive and out of hospital day 90, and all‐cause mortality at day 90. Furthermore, we will assess risk factors for fluid accumulation and its association with 90‐day mortality and report on the types of fluid administration. Conclusion: This international inception cohort study will provide contemporary epidemiological data on fluid administration and fluid accumulation in adult ICU patients. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Prehospital anaesthesia is a complex intervention performed for critically ill patients. To minimise complications, a standard operating procedure (SOP) outlining the process is considered valuable. We investigated the implementation of an SOP for prehospital anaesthesia in helicopter emergency medical services (HEMS). Methods: We performed a retrospective observational study of patients receiving prehospital anaesthesia by Finnish HEMS from January 2012 to August 2019. The intervention studied was the implementation of an SOP at two of the five bases during 2015–2016. Patients were stratified according to whether they were anaesthetised before, during or after implementation and the primary outcomes were 1‐ and 30‐day mortality. Secondary outcomes included anaesthesia quality indicators. Confounding factors was assessed via logistic regression. Results: A total of 3902 tracheal intubations were performed without an SOP, 430 during implementation and 1525 after implementation. The SOP had a significant effect on 1‐day mortality during implementation with an odds ratio (OR) of 0.56, 95% confidence interval (95% CI) 0.37–0.81 and a further trend towards benefit after implementation (OR 0.84, 95% CI 0.68–1.04), but no difference in 30‐day mortality (OR after implementation 1.10, 95% CI 0.92–1.30). Implementation of an SOP improved first‐pass success rate from 87.3% to 96.5%, p < 0.001. Conclusion: Implementation of an SOP for prehospital anaesthesia was associated with a trend towards lower 1‐day mortality and an improved first‐pass success but did not affect 30‐day mortality. Despite this, we advocate prehospital systems to consider implementation of a prehospital anaesthesia SOP as immediate performance markers improved significantly. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Aneurysmal subarachnoid haemorrhage (aSAH) is a life‐threatening disease with high mortality and morbidity. Patients with aSAH in Sweden are cared for at one of six neuro intensive care units (NICU) or at a general intensive care unit (ICU).This study aimed to describe the incidence, length of stay, time in ventilator and mortality for these patients. Methods: This is a retrospective, descriptive study of patients with aSAH, registered in the Swedish Intensive care Registry between 2017 and 2019. The cohort was divided in sub‐cohorts (NICU and general ICU) and regions. Mortality was analysed with logistic regression. Results: A total of 1520 patients with aSAH from five regions were included in the study. Mean age of the patients were 60.6 years and 58% were female. Mortality within 180 days of admission was 30% (n = 456) of which 17% (n = 258) died during intensive care. A majority of the patients were treated at one hospital and in one ICU (70%, n = 1062). More than half of the patients (59%, n = 897) had their first intensive care admission at a hospital with a NICU. Patients in the North region had the lowest median GCS (10) and the highest SAPS3 score (60) when admitted to NICU. Treatment with invasive mechanical ventilation differed significantly between regions; 91% (n = 80) in the region with highest proportion versus 56% (n = 94) in the region with the lowest proportion, as did mortality; 16% (n = 44) versus 8% (n = 23). No differences between regions were found regarding age, sex and length of stay. Conclusions: Patients with aSAH treated in a NICU or in an ICU in Sweden differs in characteristics. The study further showed some differences between regions which might be reduced if there were national consensus and treatment guidelines implemented. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Aim: To identify strategies which support the implementation of interventions to promote compassionate nursing care with a focus on interventions designed to support improved patient outcomes and/or patient experience in acute hospitals. Methods: An integrative review using the PRISMA guidelines and a 5‐stage framework consisting of problem identification, literature search, data evaluation, data analysis and presentation. CINAHL, Embase, Medline, PsychInfo and Web of Science were systematically searched using key search terms. Hand searches were conducted of the reference lists of eligible articles and searching key journals. Results: Six articles met the inclusion criteria with six different interventions described. A thematic analysis of the findings identified three key themes relating to the implementation of interventions which promote compassionate nursing care: (1) the importance of evidence; (2) support for nursing development; and (3) planning for and leading implementation. Conclusion: Compassionate care improves quality of life, the hospital experience and overall recovery. Strong nursing leadership and a supportive team environment are facilitators for delivery of compassionate care in acute settings. Excessive workload, overly rigid reporting and organisational indifference are barriers to delivery of compassionate care. Implications for nursing policy: Health policy is used to inform the systematic implementation and delivery of patient care informed by best evidence. Health setting, environment and culture are important facets of the implementation of a compassionate care framework. Furthermore, nurse engagement, teamwork and nurse leadership are key facilitators for delivery of compassionate care in acute hospital settings. These findings need to be taken into consideration by policy makers and nursing leaders when designing and implementing compassionate care interventions. Implications for nursing policy: Implementing interventions to improve compassionate nursing care can be challenging. This review identified the factors which should be considered by policy makers when implementing these interventions systematically throughout the healthcare system. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Scales used to evaluate nurses' perspectives of mentoring programmes are mainly designed in developed countries, making them unsuitable for nurses and midwives working in resource‐poor developing countries. Aim: To explore the psychometric properties of the perceived cost of mentoring (PCM) scale, negative mentoring experiences (NME) scale and relational mentoring index (RMI) for adaptation in hospital settings in Uganda. Methods: A cross‐sectional study design was used. In total, 303 hospital nurses/midwives in Ugandan participated in the study to evaluate the psychometric properties of the three mentoring scales. Results: Revisions based on word choice were made in adapting the scales to the Ugandan context. The PCM showed three factors (risk to reputation, mentoring effort and nepotism) and had an intra‐class correlation (ICC) of 0.609 (95% CI, 0.324–0.793) and Cronbach's alpha of 0.705. The NME scale had two factors (lack of mentor expertise and mismatch between the dyad) consistent with the original scale with an ICC of 0.568 (95% CI, 0.271–0.767) and Cronbach's alpha of 0.841. The RMI showed two factors (individual influence and relational quality) with an ICC of 0.664 (95% CI, 0.410–0.824) and Cronbach's alpha of 0.933. Conclusions: The initial psychometric assessment indicates satisfactory validity and reliability of the scales for implementation among nurses and midwives within Ugandan hospital contexts. Subsequent research is warranted to validate the factor structures of the scales on a different sample. Implications for nursing and health policy: In using mentoring programmes to develop the hospital workforce, nurse and midwifery policymakers need to use culturally adapted and validated PCM, NME, and RMI scales to evaluate the quality of these mentoring programmes to maximise the benefits while avoiding unintended consequences. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

We propose a new functional additive hazards model to investigate the potential effects of functional and scalar predictors on mortality risks, and develop a penalized least squares estimation method for model parameters based on a pseudoscore estimating equation. A reproducing kernel Hilbert space approach is used to establish the consistency, convergence rate, and joint asymptotic distribution of the resulting estimators for finite‐dimensional and infinite‐dimensional parameters. Our simulation studies demonstrate that the proposed estimation procedure performs well. For illustration, we apply the proposed method to the Medical Information Mart for Intensive Care III dataset. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Psychological distress can cause burnout, which affects mental and physical well‐being. It is important to identify factors associated with psychological distress and physical discomfort and how nurses deal with these problems. Aim: The aim was to investigate distress, burnout and coping among community nurses (CN) and hospital nurses (HN). Approach and Methods: In this cross‐sectional study, 409 nurses completed three questionnaires: Perceived Stress Scale (PSS), Copenhagen Burnout Inventory (CBI) and Ways of Coping (WOC). Findings: Participants younger than 40 demonstrated significantly more distress and burnout than those older than 40 years. Participants who had moderate and high distress on the PSS were significantly more at risk for experiencing personal, work‐related and patient‐related burnout. A significant positive correlation was found between distress and behavioural escape‐avoidance, cognitive escape‐avoidance and distancing. Significant positive correlations were also seen between all the subscales of the CBI and behavioural escape‐avoidance, cognitive escape‐avoidance and distancing. Positive significant correlation was also obtained between staff resources and distress and personal‐related and work‐related burnout. Negative correlation was demonstrated between staff resources and patient‐related burnout. Participants with longer work experience were less likely to report moderate or high distress, and those who scored higher on personal burnout and behavioural escape‐avoidance were more likely to have moderate or high distress. Conclusion: The results of this study call for increased attention to the younger generation in the nursing profession. The results also validate the need to investigate further the correlation between distress, burnout and coping and how these issues might influence each other among nurses working in the community and hospitals. Findings should be taken with precaution, they do not describe in detail what underlying factors contribute to distress and discomfort found in this study, they do, however, indicate certain coping strategies nurses use to deal with distress and burnout. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Aims and Objectives: To (i) determine the prevalence of delirium and identify delirium subtypes in surgical and non‐surgical patients aged ≥65 years, (ii) determine whether certain precipitating factors affect the prevalence of delirium and (iii) review patients' medical records for description of delirium symptoms and the presence of International Classification of Diseases (ICD‐10) coding for delirium in discharge summaries. Methodological Design and Justifications: Despite being a robust predictor of morbidity and mortality in older adults, delirium might be inadequately recognised and under‐reported in patients' medical records and discharge summaries. A point prevalence study (24‐h) of patients ≥65 years from surgical and non‐surgical wards was therefore conducted in a tertiary university hospital. Ethical Issues and Approval: The study was approved by the Data Protection Officer at the university hospital (2018/3454). Research Methods, Instruments and/or Interventions: Patients were assessed for delirium with 4AT and delirium subtypes with the Delirium Motor Subtype Scale. Information about room transfers, need and use of sensory aids and medical equipment was collected onsite. Patients' medical records were reviewed for description of delirium symptoms and of ICD‐10 codes. Results: Overall, 123 patients were screened (52% female). Delirium was identified in 27% of them. Prevalence was associated with advanced age (≥85 years). The uncharacterised delirium subtype was most common (36%), followed by hypoactive (30%), hyperactive (24%) and mixed (9%). There were significant associations between positive screening tests and the need and use of sensory aids. Delirium symptoms were described in 58% of the patients who tested positive for delirium and the ICD‐10 code for delirium was registered in 12% of these patients' discharge summaries. Conclusions: The high prevalence of delirium and limited use of discharge codes highlight the need to improve the identification of delirium in hospital settings and at discharge. Increased awareness and detection of delirium in hospital settings are vital to improve patient care. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Sepsis is the second leading cause of pregnancy-related mortality in the United States. Early recognition, treatment, and escalation of care for the obstetric patient affected by sepsis mitigate the risk of mortality and improve patient outcomes. In this article, we provide an overview of maternal sepsis and address topics of maternal pathophysiology, early warning signs, diagnostic criteria, early goal-directed therapy, and contemporary critical care practices. We also present an overview of common etiologies of maternal sepsis and suggested treatment approaches. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Many studies reporting neonatal outcomes in birth centers include births with risk factors not acceptable for birth center care using the evidence‐based CABC criteria. Accurate comparisons of outcomes by birth setting for low‐risk patients are needed. Methods: Data from the public Natality Detailed File from 2018 to 2021 were used. Logistic regression, including adjusted and unadjusted odds ratios, compared neonatal outcomes (chorioamnionitis, Apgar scores, resuscitation, intensive care, seizures, and death) between centers and hospitals. Covariates included maternal diabetes, body mass index, age, parity, and demographic characteristics. Results: The sample included 8,738,711 births (8,698,432 (99.53%) in hospitals and 40,279 (0.46%) in birth centers). There were no significant differences in neonatal deaths (aOR 1.037; 95% CI [0.515, 2.088]; p‐value 0.918) or seizures (aOR 0.666; 95% CI [0.315, 1.411]; p‐value 0.289). Measures of morbidity either not significantly different or less likely to occur in birth centers compared to hospitals included chorioamnionitis (aOR 0.032; 95% CI [0.020, 0.052]; p‐value < 0.001), Apgar score < 4 (aOR 0.814, 95% CI [0.638, 1.039], p‐value 0.099), Apgar score < 7 (aOR 1.075, 95% CI [0.979, 1.180], p‐value 0.130), ventilation >6 h (aOR 0.349; [0.281,0.433], p‐value < 0.001), and intensive care admission (aOR 0.356; 95% CI [0.328, 0.386], p‐value < 0.001). Birth centers had higher odds of assisted neonatal ventilation for <6 h as compared to hospitals (aOR 1.373; 95% CI [1.293, 1.457], p‐value < 0.001). Conclusion: Neonatal deaths and seizures were not significantly different between freestanding birth centers and hospitals. Chorioamnionitis, Apgar scores < 4, and intensive care admission were less likely to occur in birth centers. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Aim: To determine whether it was feasible, safe and acceptable for ambulance clinicians to use capillary blood ketone meters for 'high‐risk' diabetic ketoacidosis (DKA) recognition and fluid initiation, to inform the need for a full‐powered, multi‐centre trial. Methods: Adopting a stepped‐wedge controlled design, participants with hyperglycaemia (capillary blood glucose >11.0 mmol/L) or diabetes and unwell were recruited. 'High‐risk' DKA intervention participants (capillary blood ketones ≥3.0 mmol/L) received paramedic‐led fluid therapy. Participant demographic and clinical data were collated from ambulance and hospital care records. Twenty ambulance and Emergency Department clinicians were interviewed to understand their hyperglycaemia and DKA care experiences. Results: In this study, 388 participants were recruited (Control: n = 203; Intervention: n = 185). Most presented with hyperglycaemia, and incidence of type 1 and type 2 diabetes was 18.5% and 74.3%, respectively. Ketone meter use facilitated 'high‐risk' DKA identification (control: 2.5%, n = 5; intervention: 6.5%, n = 12) and was associated with improved hospital pre‐alerting. Ambulance clinicians appeared to have a high index of suspicion for hospital‐diagnosed DKA participants. One third (33.3%; n = 3) of Control and almost half (45.5%; n = 5) of Intervention DKA participants received pre‐hospital fluid therapy. Key interview themes included clinical assessment, ambulance DKA fluid therapy, clinical handovers; decision support tool; hospital DKA management; barriers to hospital DKA care. Conclusions: Ambulance capillary blood ketone meter use was deemed feasible, safe and acceptable. Opportunities for improved clinical decision making, support and safety‐netting, as well as in‐hospital DKA care, were recognised. As participant recruitment was below progression threshold, it is recommended that future‐related research considers alternative trial designs. Clinicaltrials.gov: NCT04940897. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Poor patient progression from the progressive care unit (PCU) beds has been recognized as a bottleneck, limiting the hospital's ability to optimize capacity for the sickest patients. Improving nurse management on PCU admission and discharge criteria could avoid PCU bottlenecks. Local Problem: Our institution lacked a standard process to identify clinically appropriate patients ready for transfer out of the PCU, causing delays in vacating PCU beds. Objectives: The aimof this study was to determine if creating a standard process to empower bedside nurses and unit nursing leaders to push readiness information to the provider team improves the appropriateness of PCU stay and transfers patients out of the PCU earlier. Methods: The most common causes of delayed transfer out of the PCU were discussed among stakeholders. A process was designed to empower the bedside nurses to partner with a physician leader to send information to the provider team requesting evaluation of the patient's readiness to leave the unit. The improvement of meeting the criteria for PCU was evaluated by comparing 60 patients prior to the intervention phase with 139 patients during the intervention. Results: The primary outcome, percentage of patientsmeeting PCU criteria, was 53% during the audit phase and 68% during the intervention phase (P = .05). The PCU transfer time was pushed 1 hour earlier in the day. Conclusions: The standard process of empowering bedside nurses to partner with physician leaders to push readiness for transferring patients out of the PCU resulted in a significant improvement in the percentage of patients meeting PCU criteria and earlier discharge of appropriate patients. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Sudden unexpected postnatal collapse (SUPC) is a sudden collapse of the clinical conditions of a full-term or near-term newborn, within the first 7 days of life, that requires resuscitation with positive ventilation and who either dies, has hypoxic-ischemic encephalopathy, or requires intensive care. The incidence of SUPC is very low, and most often presents a negative prognosis. The BUB1B gene is a mitotic checkpoint of serine/threonine kinase B that encodes a protein crucial for maintaining the correct number of chromosomes during cell division. Mutations in the BUB1B gene are linked to mosaic variegated aneuploidy syndrome 1 (MVA1), a rare autosomal recessive disorder characterized by diffuse mosaic aneuploidies involving several chromosomes and tissues. This paper discusses a case of a newborn who had a spontaneous delivery. After 2 h and 10 min, the infant showed generalized hypotonia and cyanosis, and his doctors performed orotracheal intubation, cardiac massage, pharmacological hemodynamic therapy, mechanical ventilation, antibiotic therapy, and hypothermic treatment. The newborn was discharged after 5 months with the diagnosis of hypoxic-ischemic encephalopathy. Suspecting an SUPC, a complete genetic analysis was performed demonstrating a compound heterozygous mutations in the BUB1B gene. The newborn died at 6 months of life, 1 month after discharge. A complete autopsy was performed, determining that the cause of death was due to sepsis starting from a brocopneumonic process, with outcomes of hypoxic-ischemic encephalopathy (HIE). In this scenario, it is not possible to demonstrate the causal effect of this mutation, considering that it could play a causal or concausal role in the onset of SUPC. Further research based on multicenter studies, as well as on animal models, could be very useful to clarify the pathological effect of this mutation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Reflections on the state of Geography around the globe have noted multiple challenges and opportunities—including a call for the reconfiguring of the discipline as a critical space of care and praxis (Daya, Transactions of the Institute of British Geographers, 47, 9, 2022). Such a call is indelibly connected to broader conversations on the politics of knowledge production and critical engagements with cultures of knowledge production. In order to realise the reconfiguring of the discipline, it is imperative to engage with the multi‐scalar politics and practices of knowledge production, to look beyond global inequalities and critically examine the intra‐national inequities and structural biases of knowledge production. Through a focus on South African Human Geography and detailed analysis of publication data and interviews with staff at universities across the country, we critically examine how the 'haunting' of apartheid legacies contributes to a double‐peripheralisation of staff at historically disadvantaged institutions while critical conversations remain 'whispered in corridors'. This more granular engagement with the politics and practices of knowledge production highlights the entwining of intra‐ and inter‐national privilege which produces a mosaic of 'cores' and 'peripheries' in the uneven landscape of knowledge production that requires critical scholars to engage with on multiple scales in order to realise a more just and equitable knowledge economy. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Around 1.7 billion children lack access to surgical care worldwide. To reinvigorate the efforts to address these disparities and support work to address global challenges in surgery, anesthesia, emergency, and critical care, the World Health Assembly passed World Health Organization Resolution World Health Assembly 76.2: Integrated emergency, critical and operative care for universal health coverage and protection from health emergencies (ECO) in 2023. This resolution highlights the integral role of surgery, anesthesia, and perioperative care in health systems. However, understanding how best to operationalize this resolution is challenging. We review the ECO resolution and highlight points that the pediatric surgical and anesthesia community can leverage to advocate for its recommendations for operative care. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Noninvasive respiratory support delivered through a face mask has become a cornerstone treatment for adults and children with acute or chronic respiratory failure. However, an imperfect mask fit by using commercially available interfaces is frequently encountered, which may result in patient discomfort and treatment inefficiency or failure. To overcome this challenge, over the past decade, increasing attention has been given to the development of personalized face masks, which are custom-made to address the specific facial dimensions of an individual patient. With this scoping review, we aim to provide a comprehensive overview of the current advances and gaps in knowledge with regard to the personalization masks for CPAP and NIV. We performed a systematic search of the literature and identified and summarized a total of 23 studies. Most studies included were involved in the development of nasal masks. Studies that targeted adult respiratory care mainly focused on chronic (home) ventilation and included some clinical testing in a relevant subject population. In contrast, pediatric studies focused mostly on respiratory support in the acute setting, whereas testing was limited to bench or case studies only. Most studies were positive with regard to the performance (ie, comfort, level of air leak, and mask pressure applied to the skin) of personalized masks in bench testing or in human, healthy or patient, subjects. Advances in the field of 3-dimensional scanning and soft material printing were identified, but important gaps in knowledge remain. In particular, more insight into cushion materials, headgear design, clinical feasibility, and cost-effectiveness is needed before definite recommendations can be made with regard to implementation of large-scale clinical programs that personalize noninvasive respiratory support masks for adults and children. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Hospital-acquired pressure injuries (HAPIs) have a major impact on patient outcomes in intensive care units (ICUs). Effective prevention relies on early and accurate risk assessment. Traditional risk-assessment tools, such as the Braden Scale, often fail to capture ICU-specific factors, limiting their predictive accuracy. Although artificial intelligence models offer improved accuracy, their "black box" nature poses a barrier to clinical adoption. Objective: To develop an artificial intelligence–based HAPI risk-assessment model enhanced with an explainable artificial intelligence dashboard to improve interpretability at both the global and individual patient levels. Methods: An explainable artificial intelligence approach was used to analyze ICU patient data from the Medical Information Mart for Intensive Care. Predictor variables were restricted to the first 48 hours after ICU admission. Various machine-learning algorithms were evaluated, culminating in an ensemble "super learner" model. The model's performance was quantified using the area under the receiver operating characteristic curve through 5-fold cross-validation. An explainer dashboard was developed (using synthetic data for patient privacy), featuring interactive visualizations for in-depth model interpretation at the global and local levels. Results: The final sample comprised 28 395 patients with a 4.9% incidence of HAPIs. The ensemble super learner model performed well (area under curve = 0.80). The explainer dashboard provided global and patient-level interactive visualizations of model predictions, showing each variable's influence on the risk-assessment outcome. Conclusion: The model and its dashboard provide clinicians with a transparent, interpretable artificial intelligence–based risk-assessment system for HAPIs that may enable more effective and timely preventive interventions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: New medical devices are frequently introduced at the point of care, and nursing competence in their management is critical for safe patient care. Industry vendors often provide on-the-job in-services for new devices within the constraints of clinical priorities, yet these in-services are not usually monitored or systematically coordinated with stakeholders. Method: This project employed quick response (QR) codes and best practices in instructional design in a partnership with vendors to develop and evaluate the impact of an in-service for a new medical device on nursing competence. An online survey measured usefulness, knowledge, and the change in self-perceived competence. Discussion: A total of 536 nurses participated, and 91.2% correctly answered five or six of six questions about device management. The proportion of nurses rating their competence as no experience decreased from 21.2% to 4.5%, and ratings for can do independently/competent increased from 37.6% to 60.2%. Conclusion: The use of QR codes offers novel solutions to evaluate how structured, on-the-job education can positively impact nursing practice around medical devices. [J Contin Educ Nurs. 2024;55(9):425–432.] [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Accidental hypothermia (AH) presents a significant mortality risk, even in individuals with good health. Early recognition of the parameters associated with negative prognosis could save more lives. This was a pilot, retrospective observational study, conducted in the largest Emergency Hospital in North Eastern Romania, which included all patients with AH (defined as body temperature below 35°C), hospitalized and treated in our hospital between 2019 and 2022. A total of 104 patients with AH were included in our study, 90 of whom had data collected and statistically analyzed. The clinical, biological, and therapeutic parameters associated with negative outcomes were represented by a reduced GCS score (p=0.024), diminished systolic and diastolic blood pressure (p=0.007 respectively, 0.013), decreased bicarbonate (p=0.043) and hemoglobin levels (p=0.002), the presence of coagulation disorders (p=0.007), as well as the need for administration of inotropic or vasopressor medications (p=0.04). In this pilot, retrospective, observational study, the negative outcomes observed in patients with AH hospitalized in the largest Emergency Hospital in North-Eastern Romania were associated with several clinical, biochemical, and therapeutic factors, which are easy to identify in clinical practice. Recognizing the significance of these associated factors empowers healthcare practitioners to intervene at an early stage to save more lives. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Extracorporeal life support, such as pediatric cardiac extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (ECMO), is associated with significant mortality and morbidity risk. This study evaluated cardiac ECMO survivors with central cannulation and found that 51.1% were discharged from the hospital. The study also revealed high rates of developmental delay (82.7%), motor dysfunction (58.8%), and cognitive dysfunction (70.6%) among survivors. No significant correlation was found between the duration of ECMO, age at ECMO, pre-ECMO maximum lactate levels, and cognitive scores. Participants with motor dysfunction were significantly younger (p = 0.04). PRISM scores of those with an abnormal developmental status were significantly higher (p = 0.03). Logistic regression analysis did not show a significantly increased risk. Factors such as age, disease severity, and ECMO itself were identified as potential contributors to neurodevelopmental delay. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Major head and neck surgery poses a threat to perioperative airway patency. Adverse airway events are associated with significant morbidity, potentially leading to hypoxic brain injury and even death. Following a review of the literature, recommendations regarding airway management in head and neck surgery were developed with multicenter, multidisciplinary agreement among all Irish head and neck units. Immediate extubation is appropriate in many cases where there is a low risk of adverse airway events. Where a prolonged definitive airway is required, elective tracheostomy provides increased airway security postoperatively while delayed extubation may be appropriate in select cases to reduce postoperative morbidity. Local institutional protocols should be developed to care for a tracheostomy once inserted. We provide guidance on decision making surrounding airway management at time of head and neck surgery. All decisions should be agreed between the operating, anesthetic, and critical care teams. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective: Workplace health promotion (WHP) in Germany is receiving increasing support from health insurance funds. Nevertheless, there is hardly any knowledge on the process of how health outcomes are achieved, especially in nursing. The aim of the study was to find out how and what can be implemented in different care settings and to examine the reactions and interactions of the participants under routine conditions. Methods: Guided by a logic model, a holistic WHP approach was implemented in four acute care hospitals, seven inpatient care facilities and four outpatient care services from April 2021 to October 2022. Data on realized WHP interventions, participant assessment and topics of work design was collected and analyzed descriptively. Results: The realized WHP interventions were adapted depending on the content and context. Mainly short relaxation interventions were delivered or those with an event character were received by participants. The highest participation rate of planned participants was achieved in team building training. Participants predominantly assessed WHP interventions as useful, the quality as (very) good and were generally (very) satisfied with the intervention components. For work design topics, intentions for the design of work organization were mainly documented in action plans. Conclusion: Cooperation with practitioners in research should be continued as a contribution to quality development. This could provide suggestions as to which content adjustments lead to greater acceptance by the target group in a specific context. Trial registration: The project was registered in the German Clinical Trial Register (DRKS00024961, 2021/04/09). [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The FICUS trial is a cluster-randomized superiority trial to determine the effectiveness of a nurse-led, interprofessional family support intervention (FSI) on the quality of care, family management and individual mental health of family members of critically ill patients, compared to usual care. This paper describes the statistical analysis plan of the FICUS trial. The primary outcome is quality of family care, assessed by the Family Satisfaction in ICU Questionnaire (FS-ICU-24R) at patient discharge from the ICU. Several secondary outcomes are additionally assessed 3, 6, and 12 months thereafter. Sixteen clusters (ICUs) were randomly assigned 1:1 to FSI or usual care using minimization (8 per treatment). The target sample size is 56 patients per cluster (896 in total). Recruitment has been completed in January 2024. The follow-up of the last participant will be completed in early 2025. The primary and secondary outcomes will be analyzed by linear mixed-effects models (LMM). The main model for the primary outcome will include a random intercept per cluster with treatment (FSI vs. usual care) as the only explanatory variable due to the relatively small number of clusters. In addition, covariate-adjusted analyses will be conducted, including two cluster-level characteristics used in the minimization as well as participant-level characteristics. Moreover, a number of subgroup analyses by cluster- and participant-level characteristics are pre-specified. Trial registration ClinicalTrials.gov NCT05280691. Registered on February 20, 2022. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background Methods Results Conclusion This Rapid Practice Guideline (RPG) aimed to provide evidence‐based recommendations for ketamine analgo‐sedation (monotherapy and adjunct) versus non‐ketamine sedatives or usual care in adult intensive care unit (ICU) patients on invasive mechanical ventilation (iMV) and to identify knowledge gaps for future research.The RPG panel comprised 23 multinational multidisciplinary panelists, including a patient representative. An up‐to‐date systematic review and meta‐analysis constituted the evidence base. The Grading Recommendations, Assessment, Development, and Evaluation approach, and the evidence‐to‐decision framework were used to assess the certainty of evidence and to move from evidence to decision/recommendation. The panel provided input on the balance of the desirable and undesirable effects, certainty of evidence, patients' values and preferences, costs, resources, equity, feasibility, acceptability, and research priorities.Data from 17 randomized clinical trials (n = 898) and nine observational studies (n = 1934) were included. There was considerable uncertainty about the desirable and undesirable effects of ketamine monotherapy for analgo‐sedation. The evidence was very low certainty and downgraded for risk of bias, indirectness, and inconsistency. Uncertainty or variability in values and preferences were identified. Costs, resources, equity, and acceptability were considered varied. Adjunctive ketamine therapy had no effect on mortality (within 28 days) (relative risk [RR] 0.99; 95% confidence interval [CI] 0.76 to 1.27; low certainty), and may slightly reduce iMV duration (days) (mean difference [MD] −0.05 days; 95% CI −0.07 to −0.03; low certainty), and uncertain effect on the cumulative dose of opioids (mcg/kg/h morphine equivalent) (MD −11.6; 95% CI −20.4 to −2.7; very low certainty). Uncertain desirable effects (cumulative dose of sedatives and vasopressors) and undesirable effects (adverse event rate, delirium, arrhythmia, hepatotoxicity, hypersalivation, use of physical restraints) were also identified. A possibility of important uncertainty or variability in patient‐important outcomes led to a balanced effect that favored neither the intervention nor the comparison. Cost, resources, and equity were considered varied.The RPG panel provided two conditional recommendations and suggested (1) against using ketamine as monotherapy analgo‐sedation in critically ill adults on iMV when other analgo‐sedatives are available; and (2) using ketamine as an adjunct to non‐ketamine usual care sedatives (e.g., opioids, propofol, dexmedetomidine) or continuing with non‐ketamine usual care sedatives alone. Large‐scale trials should provide additional evidence. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: By controlling hypercapnia, respiratory acidosis, and associated consequences, extracorporeal CO2 removal (ECCO2R) has the potential to facilitate ultra-protective lung ventilation (UPLV) strategies and to decrease injury from mechanical ventilation. We convened a meeting of European intensivists and nephrologists and used a modified Delphi process to provide updated insights into the role of ECCO2R in acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS) and to identify recommendations for a future randomized controlled trial. Results: The group agreed that lung protective ventilation and UPLV should have distinct definitions, with UPLV primarily defined by a tidal volume (VT) of 4–6 mL/kg predicted body weight with a driving pressure (ΔP) ≤ 14–15 cmH2O. Fourteen (93%) participants agreed that ECCO2R would be needed in the majority of patients to implement UPLV. Furthermore, 10 participants (majority, 63%) would select patients with PaO2:FiO2 > 100 mmHg (> 13.3 kPa) and 14 (consensus, 88%) would select patients with a ventilatory ratio of > 2.5–3. A minimum CO2 removal rate of 80 mL/min delivered by continuous renal support machines was suggested (11/14 participants, 79%) for this objective, using a short, double-lumen catheter inserted into the right internal jugular vein as the preferred vascular access. Of the participants, 14/15 (93%, consensus) stated that a new randomized trial of ECCO2R is needed in patients with ARDS. A ΔP of ≥ 14–15 cmH2O was suggested by 12/14 participants (86%) as the primary inclusion criterion. Conclusions: ECCO2R may facilitate UPLV with lower volume and pressures provided by the ventilator, while controlling respiratory acidosis. Since recent European Society of Intensive Care Medicine guidelines on ARDS recommended against the use of ECCO2R for the treatment of ARDS outside of randomized controlled trials, new trials of ECCO2R are urgently needed, with a ΔP of ≥ 14–15 cmH2O suggested as the primary inclusion criterion. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Among therapeutic options for severe and critical COVID- 19 infection, dexamethasone six milligrams once daily for ten days has demonstrated mortality benefit and is guideline recommended at this dose. In practice, variable doses of steroids have been used, especially in critical care settings. Our study aimed to determine the pattern of steroid dosing and outcomes in terms of critical care mortality, occurrence of dysglycaemias, and occurrence of superadded infections in patients with critical COVID-19. Methods: A retrospective cohort study was carried out on all eligible patients admitted to the Aga Khan University Hospital, Nairobi, with critical COVID-19 between 1st March 2020 and 31st December 2021. The intervention of interest was corticosteroids quantified as the average daily dose in milligrams of dexamethasone. A steroid dose of six milligrams once a day was compared to high dose steroid dosing, which was defined as any dose greater than this. The primary outcome measure was ICU mortality and secondary outcomes included occurrence of dysglycaemias, superadded infections and duration of critical care admission. Results: The study included 288 patients. The median age was 61.2 years (IQR: 49.7, 72.5), with 71.2% of patients being male. The most common comorbidities were diabetes mellitus (60.7%), hypertension (58%), and heart disease (12.2%). The average oxygen saturation and C-reactive protein at admission were 82% [IQR: 70.0–89.0]and 113.0 [IQR: 54.0–186.0], respectively. Fifty-eight percent of patients received a standard dose (6mg) of steroids. The mortality rate was higher in the high-dose group compared to the standard-dose group; however, the difference was not statistically significant (47.9% vs 43.7% p = 0.549). The two most common steroid associated adverse effects were uncomplicated hyperglycemia (62.2%) and superimposed bacterial pneumonia (20.1%). The high-dose group had a higher incidence of uncomplicated hyperglycemia compared to the standard-dose group (63.6% vs 61.1%). However, the incidence of diabetic ketoacidosis was lower in the high dose group (0.6% vs 6.6%). Oxygen saturation at admission was associated with survival where it was lower among non-survivor patients with critical COVID-19. Conclusion: The study found that high-dose steroids in the treatment of critically ill patients with COVID-19 pneumonia did not confer any mortality benefit and were associated with an increased risk of dysglycemia and superimposed infections. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Aims Background Methods Data Sources Results Conclusion To systematically evaluate and analyse literature concerning the factors influencing the implementation of clinical practice guidelines related to enteral nutrition in the adult intensive care unit.Guidelines serve as crucial tools for guiding clinical practice. However, a significant gap persists between current clinical practice and guidelines pertaining to enteral nutrition. It is essential to identify the reasons behind this disparity to foster clinical transformation.A mixed‐methods systematic review.A systematic search was conducted across PubMed, Embase, Medline, Cochrane, PsycINFO and CNKI databases to identify impediments and facilitators to the implementation of ICU clinical practice guidelines related to enteral nutrition. The types of studies included quantitative, qualitative and mixed‐methods studies. The search spanned from January 2003 to January 2024 and was updated in May 2024. The quality assessment of the included literature was conducted using the Mixed‐Methods Study Evaluation Tool (MMAT). Data analysis was performed using a data‐based convergent integration approach. The protocol for this study was prospectively registered (PROSPERO2023, CRD42023483287).Twenty papers were finally included, and 65 findings were extracted, integrating a total of three categories, Category 1: healthcare provider factors, including three sub‐themes: knowledge of guideline‐related knowledge and awareness of guideline application; social/professional roles and identity domains; beliefs, attitudes and self‐efficacy; collaboration, Category 2: practice environments, including two sub‐themes: environmental factors and resource areas; systems and behavioural norms, Category 3: patient values and nutritional support preferences including two sub‐themes: patient disease status and value orientation.Healthcare professionals should analyse obstacles and facilitators to guideline implementation from multiple perspectives, strengthen healthcare collaboration, improve education and training systems, correct misperceptions and increase awareness of evidence‐based practice. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective: Physicians often use mobile apps for patient care, but few apps are dedicated to pediatric critical care medicine (PCCM). This study developed a mobile app specifically for Pediatric Critical Care Unit (PICU) residents to aid their onboarding process and aimed to assess whether it could enhance their confidence and comfort levels. Method: From March 2020 to April 2021, 90 residents participated and completed pre- and post-rotation quizzes with 20 questions each. Quiz score differences between the control and app groups were analyzed using t-tests. A survey was also administered at the end of the rotation to compare comfort level and confidence in PCCM knowledge pre- and post-rotation. Results: Enrollment included 50 residents in the control group and 40 in the app group. The participation rate was 100%, but not all participants completed both quizzes and survey. The app group showed a significantly greater improvement in quiz scores from pre- to post-rotation compared to the control group (increase of 0.23 questions vs 1.67, p = 0.045). However, the two groups had no significant differences in confidence in PCCM knowledge (p = 0.246) or comfort levels (p = 0.776) in the PICU. Conclusions: This study found no significant difference in confidence levels between the App and control groups at the end of the PICU rotation. However, the App group outperformed the control group in knowledge assessments. Frequent use of the app likely reinforced essential concepts and facilitated adaptation to the PICU service. Overall, the app's positive impact on knowledge and adaptation indicates it is a valuable tool for enhancing medical residents' educational experiences in busy clinical environments. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Ventilation management may differ between COVID–19 ARDS (COVID–ARDS) patients and patients with pre–COVID ARDS (CLASSIC–ARDS); it is uncertain whether associations of ventilation management with outcomes for CLASSIC–ARDS also exist in COVID–ARDS. Methods: Individual patient data analysis of COVID–ARDS and CLASSIC–ARDS patients in six observational studies of ventilation, four in the COVID–19 pandemic and two pre–pandemic. Descriptive statistics were used to compare epidemiology and ventilation characteristics. The primary endpoint were key ventilation parameters; other outcomes included mortality and ventilator–free days and alive (VFD–60) at day 60. Results: This analysis included 6702 COVID–ARDS patients and 1415 CLASSIC–ARDS patients. COVID–ARDS patients received lower median VT (6.6 [6.0 to 7.4] vs 7.3 [6.4 to 8.5] ml/kg PBW; p < 0.001) and higher median PEEP (12.0 [10.0 to 14.0] vs 8.0 [6.0 to 10.0] cm H2O; p < 0.001), at lower median ΔP (13.0 [10.0 to 15.0] vs 16.0 [IQR 12.0 to 20.0] cm H2O; p < 0.001) and higher median Crs (33.5 [26.6 to 42.1] vs 28.1 [21.6 to 38.4] mL/cm H2O; p < 0.001). Following multivariable adjustment, higher ΔP had an independent association with higher 60–day mortality and less VFD–60 in both groups. Higher PEEP had an association with less VFD–60, but only in COVID–ARDS patients. Conclusions: Our findings show important differences in key ventilation parameters and associations thereof with outcomes between COVID–ARDS and CLASSIC–ARDS. Trial registration: Clinicaltrials.gov (identifier NCT05650957), December 14, 2022. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Postgraduate medical education in clinical settings poses many challenges secondary to the large volume of knowledge to be acquired, competing clinical responsibilities, and fatigue. To address these challenges, a microlearning curriculum using flipped classroom methodologies was created to facilitate the mastering of fundamental physiology formulas by pediatric critical care medicine fellows. Forty physiology formulas were distilled into 5-minute microlearning sessions. Fellows were provided the weekly formula and encouraged to self-study prior to the face-to-face learning. The 5-minute session took place at the beginning of a regularly scheduled clinical care conference where normal values, explanatory diagrams, and board-like questions were discussed. A faculty or fellow facilitator then provided a more in-depth explanation and shared clinical pearls related to the formula. Following the session, an e-mail summarizing the learning points was sent. The curriculum was well received by fellows and faculty. Over 5 years, the curriculum evolved through phases of active development, implementation, minor modifications, transition to a virtual platform, shift to senior fellow-led instruction, and harmonization with other curricular activities. Engagement and sustainability were addressed with a fully flipped classroom, where senior fellows served as teachers to junior fellows. Microlearning in a multimodal manner is an excellent method for teaching busy postgraduate clinical trainees fundamental physiology formulas that underpin pediatric critical care decision-making. The gradual transition from individual learning to a flipped classroom taught by peers with faculty support was well tolerated and consistent with adult learning theories. The transition was essential to ensure the sustainability of the curriculum. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Introduction: Adherence to best practices for care of hip fracture patients is fundamental to decreasing morbidity and mortality in older adults. This includes timely transfer from the hospital to rehabilitation soon after their surgical care. Hospitals experience challenges in implementing several best practices. We examined the potential barriers associated with timely discharge for patients who underwent a hip fracture surgery in an academic hospital in Ontario, Canada. Methods: We conducted a retrospective cross-sectional review of a local database. We used descriptive statistics to characterize individuals according to the time of discharge after surgery. Multivariable binary logistic regression was used to evaluate factors associated with delayed discharge (>6 days post-surgery). Results: A total of 492 patients who underwent hip fracture surgery between September 2019 and August 2020 were included in the study. The odds of having a delayed discharge occurred when patients had a higher frailty score (odds ratios [OR] 1.19, 95% confidence interval [CI] 1.02;1.38), experienced an episode of delirium (OR 2.54, 95% CI 1.35;4.79), or were non-weightbearing (OR 3.00, 95% CI 1.07;8.43). Patients were less likely to have a delayed discharge when the surgery was on a weekend (OR.50, 95% CI.32;.79) compared to a weekday, patients had a total hip replacement (OR.28, 95% CI.10;.80) or dynamic hip screw fixation (OR.49, 95% CI.25;.98) compared to intramedullary nails, or patients who were discharged to long-term care (OR.05, 95% CI.02;.13), home (OR.26, 95% CI.15;.46), or transferred to another specialty in the hospital (OR.49, 95% CI.29;.84) compared to inpatient rehabilitation. Conclusions: Clinical and organizational factors can operate as potential barriers to timely discharge after hip fracture surgery. Further research is needed to understand how to overcome these barriers and implement strategies to improve best practice for post-surgery hip fracture care. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background We aimed to determine if pre-existing immunocompromising conditions (ICCs) were associated with the presentation or outcome of patients with acute coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) admitted for pediatric intensive care. Methods Fifty-five hospitals in 30 US states reported cases through the Overcoming COVID-19 public health surveillance registry. Patients <21 years admitted 12 March 2020–30 December 2021 to the pediatric intensive care unit (PICU) or high-acuity unit for acute COVID-19 were included. Results Of 1274 patients, 105 (8.2%) had an ICC, including 33 (31.4%) hematologic malignancies, 24 (22.9%) primary immunodeficiencies and disorders of hematopoietic cells, 19 (18.1%) nonmalignant organ failure with solid-organ transplantation, 16 (15.2%) solid tumors, and 13 (12.4%) autoimmune disorders. Patients with ICCs were older, had more underlying renal conditions, and had lower white blood cell and platelet counts than those without ICCs, but had similar clinical disease severity upon admission. In-hospital mortality from COVID-19 was higher (11.4% vs 4.6%, P =.005) and hospitalization was longer (P =.01) in patients with ICCs. New major morbidities upon discharge were not different between those with and without ICC (10.5% vs 13.9%, P =.40). In patients with ICCs, bacterial coinfection was more common in those with life-threatening COVID-19. Conclusions In this national case series of patients <21 years of age with acute COVID-19 admitted for intensive care, existence of a prior ICCs were associated with worse clinical outcomes. Reassuringly, most patients with ICCs hospitalized in the PICU for severe acute COVID-19 survived and were discharged home without new severe morbidities. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Management of sedation, analgesia, and delirium influences morbidity, mortality, and quality of life in patients treated in intensive care. Assessing quality indicators as part of a quality management and assurance program is an established method to ensure process quality. Currently, there is limited research on the effect of evaluating quality indicators on economic outcomes. The aim of the study was to investigate the adherence to an indicator on management of sedation, analgesia and delirium, and explore potential effects on hospital economics and clinical outcomes. Methods: In this retrospective cohort study, we analyzed routine data from 20,220 patient records from the hospital information system of a tertiary university hospital, collected from January 2012 to December 2019. We compared two predefined subgroups with either high indicator adherence or low indicator adherence regarding factors like disease severity scores, comorbidities, and outcome measures. We used logistic regression models to examine the influence of quality indicator adherence on economic measures such as Diagnosis-related group (DRG) incomes, revenue margins, and costs, and clinical outcomes. Additionally, we used propensity score matching to probe our findings. Results: Overall revenue margins in this cohort were negative (-320€). High adherence to the quality indicator was associated with a positive revenue margin (+197€) compared to low adherence (-482€). Higher adherence was also associated with lower costs. Additionally, high adherence was associated with reduced mortality (OR 0.84, 95% CI 0.75–0.95) and reduced duration of mechanical ventilation and hospital stay (17 hours and 1 day respectively). Conclusion: Higher adherence to a quality indicator for sedation, analgesia, and delirium management was associated with economic returns and costs. We also found an association with lower mortality and reduced length of stay. Further research on these associations may help identify opportunities for quality improvement without increased resource use. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Aim(s): Teamwork among healthcare professionals is a key aspect of patient safety that influences the prevalence of missed nursing care. The association between teamwork and missed care in acute care hospitals is now well established in the literature. Therefore, this review aimed to synthesise the existing empirical evidence on the association between teamwork and missed care in the acute care setting. Design: A mixed‐method systematic review study. Methods: The search was carried out in February 2023 in four scientific databases, PubMed, ProQuest, Web of Science and Scopus based on their institutional availability. The search produced 1542 studies. The method of thematic analysis was used in data synthesis. Results: A total of 18 studies were selected that revealed the relationship between teamwork and missed care. The teamwork score was weak to moderate but significantly associated with the overall score of missed care and was found to be a statistically significant predictor of missed care in an acute care setting. Additionally, teamwork represented an important reason for missed care, primarily in the context of poor communication, lack of trust and cooperation in the nursing team and lack of leadership. Conclusion: The review findings contribute to a deeper understanding of the intricate dynamics between teamwork and missed care and provide valuable information to healthcare professionals and institutions looking to optimise teamwork and mitigate instances of missed care in the acute care setting. Implications for the Profession and/or Patient Care: Recognising how teamwork influences the occurrence of missed care, healthcare organisations can strategically implement targeted interventions to enhance collaboration, address communication gaps, foster trust, and provide effective leadership. Impact: This review suggests that improving teamwork seems to be one of the most important strategies focused on mitigating missed care in acute care settings. Reporting Method: The reporting of this review followed the PRISMA 2020 checklist. Patient or Public Contribution: No patient or public contribution. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Aims and Objective: To investigate the determinants of missed nursing care and to analyse the mediating effect of holistic nursing competence on the relationship between transition shock and missed nursing care. Background: Transition shock of newly graduated nurses is associated with missed nursing care. Previous studies have shown the determinants of missed nursing care among nurses, but little is known about the relationship between missed nursing care, transition shock and holistic nursing competence. Design: Descriptive and correlational design. Methods: The study was conducted among newly graduated nurses (n = 201) working in acute care hospitals for 1–12 months. The MISSCARE survey, Holistic Nursing Competence Scale and Nursing Transition Shock Scale were used for data collection, in addition to a sociodemographic question form. Data were analysed using Pearson correlation, multiple regression and mediation analyses. The study was reported following the STROBE checklist. Results: The determinants of missed nursing care among newly graduated nurses were sex, unit type, rotating shift work, holding a certificate, holistic nursing competence and transition shock. All these variables explain 35% of the variance in missed nursing care. Holistic nursing competence directly mediated 51.7% of the relationship between transition shock and missed nursing care. Conclusions: Holistic nursing competence may decrease missed nursing care by reducing the effects of transition shock on newly graduated nurses. Relevance to Clinical Practice: The study highlighted that newly graduated nurses are an important population regarding missed nursing care. The determinants of missed care should be considered in the nursing care delivery to prevent missed care by newly graduated nurses. Based on the study findings, some recommendations were made for nurse managers and faculty for the orientation program and undergraduate nursing education. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Hyperkalaemia is associated with prolonged hospital admission and worse mortality. Hyperkalaemia may also necessitate clinical consults, therapies for hyperkalaemia and high-dependency bed utilisation. We evaluated the 'hidden' human and organisational resource utilisation for hyperkalaemia in hospitalised patients. This was a single-centre, observational cohort study (Jan 2017–Dec 2020) at a tertiary-care hospital. The CogStack system (data processing and analytics platform) was used to search unstructured and structured data from individual patient records. Association between potassium and death was modelled using cubic spline regression, adjusted for age, sex, and comorbidities. Cox proportional hazards estimated the hazard of death compared with normokalaemia (3.5–5.0 mmol/l). 129,172 patients had potassium measurements in the emergency department. Incidence of hyperkalaemia was 85.7 per 1000. There were 49,011 emergency admissions. Potassium > 6.5 mmol/L had 3.9-fold worse in-hospital mortality than normokalaemia. Chronic kidney disease was present in 21% with potassium 5–5.5 mmol/L and 54% with potassium > 6.5 mmol/L. For diabetes, it was 20% and 32%, respectively. Of those with potassium > 6.5 mmol/L, 29% had nephrology review, and 13% critical care review; in this group 22% transferred to renal wards and 8% to the critical care unit. Dialysis was used in 39% of those with peak potassium > 6.5 mmol/L. Admission hyperkalaemia and hypokalaemia were independently associated with reduced likelihood of hospital discharge. Hyperkalaemia is associated with greater in-hospital mortality and reduced likelihood of hospital discharge. It necessitated significant utilisation of nephrology and critical care consultations and greater likelihood of patient transfer to renal and critical care. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]