BACKGROUND The need for an emergency upgrade of a hospitalized trauma patient from the floor to the trauma intensive care unit(ICU)is an unanticipated event with possible life-threatening consequences.Unplanned ICU ad...BACKGROUND The need for an emergency upgrade of a hospitalized trauma patient from the floor to the trauma intensive care unit(ICU)is an unanticipated event with possible life-threatening consequences.Unplanned ICU admissions are associated with increased morbidity and mortality and are an indicator of trauma service quality.Two different types of unplanned ICU admissions include upgrades(patients admitted to the floor then moved to the ICU)and bounce backs(patients admitted to the ICU,discharged to the floor,and then readmitted to the ICU).Previous studies have shown that geriatric trauma patients are at higher risk for unfavorable outcomes.AIM To analyze the characteristics,management and outcomes of trauma patients who had an unplanned ICU admission during their hospitalization.METHODS This institutional review board approved,retrospective cohort study examined 203 adult trauma patients with unplanned ICU admission at an urban level 1 trauma center over a six-year period(2017-2023).This included 134 upgrades and 69 bounce backs.Analyzed variables included:(1)Age;(2)Sex;(3)Comorbidities;(4)Mechanism of injury(MOI);(5)Injury severity score(ISS);(6)Glasgow Coma Scale(GCS);(7)Type of injury;(8)Transfusions;(9)Consultations;(10)Timing and reason for unplanned admission;(11)Intubations;(12)Surgical interventions;(13)ICU and hospital lengths of stay;and(14)Mortality.RESULTS Unplanned ICU admissions comprised 4.2%of total ICU admissions.Main MOI was falls.Mean age was 70.7 years,ISS was 12.8 and GCS was 13.9.Main injuries were traumatic brain injury(37.4%)and thoracic injury(21.7%),and main reason for unplanned ICU admission was respiratory complication(39.4%).The 47.3%underwent a surgical procedure and 46.8%were intubated.Average timing for unplanned ICU admission was 2.9 days.Bounce backs occurred half as often as upgrades,however had higher rates of transfusions(63.8%vs 40.3%,P=0.002),consultations(4.8 vs 3.0,P<0.001),intubations(63.8%vs 38.1%%,P=0.001),longer ICU lengths of stay(13.2 days vs 6.4 days,P<0.001)and hospital lengths of stay(26.7 days vs 13.0 days,P<0.001).Mortality was 25.6%among unplanned ICU admissions,31.9%among geriatric unplanned ICU admissions and 11.9%among all trauma ICU patients.CONCLUSION Unplanned ICU admissions constituted 4.2%of total ICU admissions.Respiratory complications were the main cause of unplanned ICU admissions.Bounce backs occurred half as often as upgrades,but were associated with worse outcomes.展开更多
Adolescence and the journey to adulthood involves exciting opportunities as well as psychosocial stress for young people growing up.These normal experiences are potentially magnified for teenagers living with chronic ...Adolescence and the journey to adulthood involves exciting opportunities as well as psychosocial stress for young people growing up.These normal experiences are potentially magnified for teenagers living with chronic illness or disability and their families.Advances in care have improved survival for children with a variety of serious chronic medical conditions such that many who may once have died in childhood now survive well into adulthood with ongoing morbidity.For those with highly complex needs,care is often provided at major paediatric hospitals with expertise,specially trained personnel,and resources to support young people and their families for the first decades of life.At the end of adolescence,however,it is generally appropriate and necessary for young adults and their caregivers to transition to the care of clinicians trained in the care of adults at general hospitals.While there are some well-managed models to support this journey of transition,these are often specific to certain conditions and usually do not involve intensive care.Many patients may encounter considerable challenges during this period.Difficulties may include the loss of established therapeutic relationships,a perception of austerity and reduced amenity in facilities oriented to caring for adult patients,and care by clinicians with less experience with more common paediatric conditions.In addition,there is a risk of potential conflict between clinicians and families regarding goals of care in the event of a critical illness when it occurs in a young adult with major disability and long-term health issues.These challenges present genuine opportunities to better understand the transition from paediatric to adult-based care and to improve processes that assist clinicians who support patients and families as they shift between healthcare settings.展开更多
This letter responds to Wang et al's recent publication on endoscopic biliary stenting for malignant obstructive jaundice(MOJ)by offering constructive feedback and suggestions for future research.We commend the au...This letter responds to Wang et al's recent publication on endoscopic biliary stenting for malignant obstructive jaundice(MOJ)by offering constructive feedback and suggestions for future research.We commend the authors for their comprehensive study design and execution,which included a clear delineation of study groups and a robust set of outcome measures.We suggest that future studies incorporate additional biomarkers,such as serum levels of liver enzymes and bilirubin,to provide a more nuanced understanding of liver function changes post-intervention.The study's focus on short-term survival rates is appreciated,but we recommend exploring longer-term follow-up periods to capture the full spectrum of survival outcomes.Additionally,the inclusion of quality of life assessments using validated instruments could offer a more holistic view of patient outcomes.From a critical care perspective,we advocate for the integration of advanced imaging techniques to better characterize biliary anatomy and potentially predict treatment response or complications.We believe that incor-porating these suggestions could enhance the understanding of endoscopic biliary stenting's role in MOJ management and its impact on patient outcomes,influ-encing future clinical guidelines and practice.展开更多
Management of patients with acute hemorrhage requires addressing the source of bleeding,replenishing blood volume,and addressing any coagulopathy that may be present.Assessing coagulopathy and predicting blood require...Management of patients with acute hemorrhage requires addressing the source of bleeding,replenishing blood volume,and addressing any coagulopathy that may be present.Assessing coagulopathy and predicting blood requirements in real-time in patients experiencing ongoing bleeding can pose substantial challenges.In these patients,transfusion concepts based on ratios do not effectively address coagulopathy or reduce mortality.Moreover,ratio-based concepts do not stop bleeding;instead,they just give physicians more time to identify the bleeding source and plan management strategies.In clinical practice,standard laboratory coagulation tests(SLCT)are frequently used to assess various aspects of blood clotting.However,these tests may not always offer a comprehensive under-standing of clinically significant coagulopathy and the severity of blood loss.Furthermore,the SLCT have a considerable turnaround time,which may not be ideal for making prompt clinical decisions.In recent years,there has been a growing interest in point-of-care viscoelastic assays like rotational thromboelast-ometry,which provide real-time,dynamic information about clot formation and dissolution.展开更多
Intensive care unit(ICU)acquired sarcopenia and myosteatosis are increasingly recognized complications of critical illness,characterized by a rapid loss of ske-letal muscle mass,quality,and function.These conditions r...Intensive care unit(ICU)acquired sarcopenia and myosteatosis are increasingly recognized complications of critical illness,characterized by a rapid loss of ske-letal muscle mass,quality,and function.These conditions result from a complex interplay of systemic inflammation,immobilization,catabolic stress,mitochon-drial dysfunction,and immune dysregulation,often culminating in impaired recovery,prolonged hospitalization,and increased long-term mortality.First identified in survivors of sepsis and prolonged mechanical ventilation,these muscle abnormalities were initially described using computed tomography-based assessments of muscle area and density.Subsequent advances in imaging,biomarker discovery,and functional testing have enabled earlier detection and risk stratification across diverse ICU populations.While nutritional optimization and early mobilization form the cornerstone of current prevention and treatment strategies,the emergence of novel approaches,including automated artificial intelligence-based screening,neuromuscular electrical stimulation,and targeted pharmacologic therapies,has broadened the clinical scope of interventions.Despite their significant prognostic implications,ICU-acquired sarcopenia and myosteatosis remain under-recognized in routine critical care practice.This mini-review aims to synthesize current knowledge regarding their pathophysiology,available diagnostic modalities,prognostic relevance,and the evolving landscape of therapeutic strategies for long-term functional recovery in critically ill patients.展开更多
Desmopressin(1-deamino-8-D-arginine vasopressin,DDAVP)is a synthetic analogue of arginine vasopressin,the body’s natural antidiuretic hormone.It acts selectively on V2 receptors,promoting renal water reabsorption and...Desmopressin(1-deamino-8-D-arginine vasopressin,DDAVP)is a synthetic analogue of arginine vasopressin,the body’s natural antidiuretic hormone.It acts selectively on V2 receptors,promoting renal water reabsorption and stimulating the release of von Willebrand factor(vWF)and factor VIII,while exerting minimal vasoconstrictive effects through V1 receptors.Developed in the late 1960s and introduced clinically in the early 1970s for the management of central diabetes insipidus,desmopressin was engineered to provide a longer duration of action and reduced cardiovascular side effects compared to native vasopressin.Its haemostatic potential was later recognized when it was observed to enhance endogenous levels of vWF and factor VIII,leading to its incorporation into the treatment of mild haemophilia A and von Willebrand disease(vWD).This unique combination of antidiuretic and prohemostatic properties has broadened its therapeutic role across various clinical settings.In critical care,desmopressin has emerged as a potentially valuable agent in managing complex scenarios such as uremic platelet dysfunction,trauma-associated coagulopathy,intracranial hemorrhage,vWD,and central diabetes insipidus.However,despite its mechanistic appeal and broad pharmacologic utility,the full scope of desmopressin’s applications in the intensive care unit(ICU)remains underrecognized.This review aims to provide a comprehensive examination of desmopressin’s pharmacological characteristics,evidence-based indications in critically ill patients,therapeutic efficacy,safety profile,and practical considerations for dosing in the ICU setting.展开更多
Objective:To explore the impact of parenting care guidance combined with preventive healthcare on child family parenting.Methods:Ninety-two child families were included as research subjects and randomly divided into a...Objective:To explore the impact of parenting care guidance combined with preventive healthcare on child family parenting.Methods:Ninety-two child families were included as research subjects and randomly divided into a control group and an observation group,with 46 cases in each group.The former implemented basic preventive healthcare,while the latter simultaneously carried out parenting care guidance combined with preventive healthcare.The intervention results of the two groups were compared.Results:The observation group had a higher awareness rate of family parenting knowledge and a higher formation rate of healthy behaviors,P<0.05.At the same time,parents’parenting anxiety scores were lower,and family health management ability scores were higher,P<0.05.Moreover,the observation group showed higher scores in children’s social skills,P<0.05.Conclusion:Parenting care guidance combined with preventive healthcare can effectively improve the status of child family parenting,and it is worthy of promotion and application.展开更多
1|Introduction.In Japan,the declining birthrate,aging population,and the growing prevalence of nuclear families present major challenges for informal caregiving.These factors have led to an increase in caregiving amon...1|Introduction.In Japan,the declining birthrate,aging population,and the growing prevalence of nuclear families present major challenges for informal caregiving.These factors have led to an increase in caregiving among older adults,a phenomenon commonly referred to as“RouRou-kaigo”in Japanese.As of 2022,older adults account for 63.5%of informal care households in Japan[1].展开更多
BACKGROUND Excessive noise in healthcare environments—commonly described as"unwanted sound"—has been linked to a range of negative impacts on both patients and staff.In clinical settings,elevated noise lev...BACKGROUND Excessive noise in healthcare environments—commonly described as"unwanted sound"—has been linked to a range of negative impacts on both patients and staff.In clinical settings,elevated noise levels have been associated with sleep disruption,heightened cardiovascular stress,and an increased risk of delirium in patients.Among healthcare workers,noise can impair focus and cognitive performance,potentially compromising care quality.AIM To evaluate the effectiveness of educational and behavioural interventions in reducing noise levels within intensive care units(ICUs),recognizing their potential impact on patient outcomes and healthcare effectiveness.METHODS A prospective interventional study in two Singaporean teaching hospitals compared peak and average sound levels between control and intervention groups.An educational and behavioural intervention comprising talks,posters,and self-audits by nurse champions was initiated in two ICUs in one hospital on November 18,2023.Sound measurements were collected at 4 Locations within each ICU before and after intervention.Baseline measurements were taken from October 22,2023 to October 29,2023,and post-intervention measurements from December 21,2023 to December 22,2023.The hospitals served as the primary exposure variable,controlled for ICU type(medical vs surgical)and hour of the day.RESULTS Our analysis generated 48 pairs of peak and average sound level readings for each unit(control n=48 readings;intervention n=48 readings).The effect of the intervention was associated with a significant 4.8 dB decrease in average sound level(P=0.009)and a nonsignificant 4.3 dB decrease in peak sound level(P=0.104),adjusted for hour of day and type of ICU.CONCLUSION Educational and behavioural interventions successfully reduced average sound levels,emphasizing their positive impact on noise control.These findings contribute valuable insights for optimizing noise reduction efforts in critical care settings.Future studies may explore additional systemic and environmental interventions to enhance noise management strategies.展开更多
Objective:To explore the significance of continuing care in improving self-care ability and quality of life in patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease(COPD).Methods:A total of 60 COPD patients treated in o...Objective:To explore the significance of continuing care in improving self-care ability and quality of life in patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease(COPD).Methods:A total of 60 COPD patients treated in our department between June 2023 and June 2024 were randomly divided into control and observation groups.The control group received routine care,while the observation group received additional continuing care.Self-care ability and quality of life were compared between the two groups.Results:After the intervention,the observation group demonstrated higher self-care ability and quality of life scores compared to the control group(P<0.05).Conclusion:Continuing care for COPD patients has a positive impact on enhancing self-care ability and improving quality of life,making it worth recommending.展开更多
BACKGROUND Although critically ill pediatric patients can benefit from the use of sedation,it can cause side effects and even iatrogenic complications.Since pediatric patients cannot adequately express the intensity o...BACKGROUND Although critically ill pediatric patients can benefit from the use of sedation,it can cause side effects and even iatrogenic complications.Since pediatric patients cannot adequately express the intensity or location of the pain,discriminating the cause of their irritability and agitation can be more complicated than in adults.Thus,sedation therapy for children requires more careful attention.AIM To evaluate the association of the internal parental care protocol and the reduction in pediatric intensive care unit(PICU)postoperatively.METHODS This retrospective cohort study was carried out in the PICU of the tertiary medical center in Kazakhstan.The internal parental care protocol was developed and implemented by critical care team.During the pandemic,restrictions were also placed on parental presence in the PICU.We compare two groups:During restriction and after return to normal.The level of agitation was evaluated using the Richmond Agitation-Sedation Scale.Univariate and multivariate logistic regression analyses were performed to examine associations of parental care with sedation therapy.RESULTS A total of 289 patients were included in the study.Of them,167 patients were hospitalized during and 122 after the restrictions of parental care.In multivariate analysis,parental care was associated with lower odds of prescribing diazepam(odds ratio=0.11,95%confidence interval:0.05-0.25),controlling for age,sex,cerebral palsy,and type of surgery.CONCLUSION The results of this study show that parental care was associated only with decreased odds of prescribing sedative drugs,while no differences were observed for analgesics.展开更多
BACKGROUND Return of spontaneous circulation(ROSC)following cardiopulmonary resuscitation(CPR)is a critical determinant of survival in patients experiencing cardiac arrest.This study aimed to investigate the relations...BACKGROUND Return of spontaneous circulation(ROSC)following cardiopulmonary resuscitation(CPR)is a critical determinant of survival in patients experiencing cardiac arrest.This study aimed to investigate the relationship between the duration of CPR,the achievement of ROSC,and both short-term[intensive care unit(ICU)and in-hospital]and long-term survival outcomes in patients admitted to the medical intensive care unit(MICU)of Dr.Moopen’s Medical College Hospital,Wayanad,Kerala,India.AIM To assess how cardiopulmonary resuscitation duration impacts short-term and long-term survival in cardiac arrest patients in intensive care.METHODS A retrospective observational cohort study was conducted on adult patients who received CPR in the MICU between March 2023 and March 2024.Data were extracted from electronic medical records,including demographics,duration of CPR,ROSC achievement,and survival outcomes.Short-term survival was defined as survival to ICU discharge and in-hospital mortality,while long-term survival was assessed at six months post-arrest.Statistical analysis was performed using SPSS software,with Kaplan-Meier survival analysis and Cox regression used to identify predictors of mortality.RESULTS A total of 142 patients were included in the study.The median duration of CPR was 15 minutes.ROSC was achieved in 68 patients(47.9%).A significant association was observed between the duration of CPR and ROSC achievement(P<0.001).Patients who achieved ROSC early had significantly higher rates of short-term and longterm survival compared to those who did not(P<0.001).Each additional minute of CPR was associated with a 7%decrease in the odds of achieving ROSC.Longer CPR duration(HR:1.05,95%CI:1.02-1.08),absence of ROSC(HR:4.87,95%CI:2.31-10.28),older age(HR:1.03,95%CI:1.01-1.06)and unwitnessed arrest(HR:1.89,95%CI:1.05-3.41)were independent predictors of mortality.CONCLUSION Timely,effective cardiopulmonary resuscitation improves survival in intensive care.Duration significantly predicts return of circulation and outcomes.Further research should explore factors affecting resuscitation length and optimize treatment strategies.展开更多
Achieving universal eye health remains a global challenge,particularly in low-and middle-income countries where visual impairment and blindness are prevalent.While advances in tertiary eye care have improved outcomes,...Achieving universal eye health remains a global challenge,particularly in low-and middle-income countries where visual impairment and blindness are prevalent.While advances in tertiary eye care have improved outcomes,access to primary eye care(PEC)continues to be inadequate in rural and underserved regions.This gap necessitates innovative,scalable models that provide accessible,affordable,and comprehensive eye care.The Vision Centre(VC)model,pioneered by the Aravind Eye Care System(AECS),exemplifies a sustainable approach to delivering PEC.Designed as permanent facilities in rural communities,VCs are equipped with state-of-the-art diagnostic tools and staffed by trained allied ophthalmic personnel.The integration of teleophthalmology,electronic medical records,and artificial intelligence enhances the model’s capacity to address complex conditions like diabetic retinopathy and glaucoma.VCs have demonstrated significant impact in improving accessibility,reducing financial burdens,and increasing utilization of eye care services.In the fiscal year 2023-2024,AECS VCs recorded nearly one million outpatient visits,achieving a 25%population coverage rate and generating substantial cost savings of ₹647 million(US$7.8 million)for patients.The model's success is underpinned by community engagement,a focus on operational excellence,and a robust referral system to tertiary hospitals.This review explores the evolution,implementation,and impact of the AECS VC model,emphasizing its alignment with the Sustainable Development Goals and Universal Health Coverage.By addressing accessibility and affordability,the VC model serves as a scalable template for primary eye care delivery in resource-limited settings globally.展开更多
Background:While quantitative research has determined that emotional distress and psychiatric illness among frontline healthcare workers increased with the COVID-19 pandemic,detailed qualitative data describing their ...Background:While quantitative research has determined that emotional distress and psychiatric illness among frontline healthcare workers increased with the COVID-19 pandemic,detailed qualitative data describing their personal experiences are needed in order to make appropriate plans to address provider mental health in future pandemics.This study aims to further explore the psychological effects of the pandemic on COVID-19 ICU clinicians and administrators through focus groups.Methods:Two separate 2-h focus groups of physicians were conducted,one with frontline faculty clinicians and another with administrators.Qualitative data analysis was conducted.Results:In September and November 2023,volunteer samples were recruited from the pulmonary and critical care medicine division of The University of Texas Southwestern physicians who served during the pandemic primarily as clinicians(N=6)or in major administrative roles(N=5).Perceptions of both administrators’and clinicians’pandemic experiences were coded into the same 7 qualitative themes:planning,sense of community and isolation,disparities and inequalities,communication and listening,leadership,effects of the pandemic,and emotional/psychiatric/coping responses.Effects of the pandemic were the most coded theme in both groups;second was disparities and inequalities for clinicians and pandemic planning for administrators.Thematic content is summarized separately for clinicians and administrators,illustrated with representative quotes.Conclusion:This study adds detailed qualitative findings to enrich existing quantitative knowledge on frontline COVID-19 workers’emotional responses.Both clinicians and administrators identified helpful and non-helpful institutional responses.These findings are consistent with prior studies of disaster worker experiences and may help to inform efforts to address provider mental health in future pandemics.展开更多
In a prior practice and policy article published in Healthcare Science,we introduced the deployed application of an artificial intelligence(AI)model to predict longer‐term inpatient readmissions to guide community ca...In a prior practice and policy article published in Healthcare Science,we introduced the deployed application of an artificial intelligence(AI)model to predict longer‐term inpatient readmissions to guide community care interventions for patients with complex conditions in the context of Singapore's Hospital to Home(H2H)program that has been operating since 2017.In this follow on practice and policy article,we further elaborate on Singapore's H2H program and care model,and its supporting AI model for multiple readmission prediction,in the following ways:(1)by providing updates on the AI and supporting information systems,(2)by reporting on customer engagement and related service delivery outcomes including staff‐related time savings and patient benefits in terms of bed days saved,(3)by sharing lessons learned with respect to(i)analytics challenges encountered due to the high degree of heterogeneity and resulting variability of the data set associated with the population of program participants,(ii)balancing competing needs for simpler and stable predictive models versus continuing to further enhance models and add yet more predictive variables,and(iii)the complications of continuing to make model changes when the AI part of the system is highly interlinked with supporting clinical information systems,(4)by highlighting how this H2H effort supported broader Covid‐19 response efforts across Singapore's public healthcare system,and finally(5)by commenting on how the experiences and related capabilities acquired from running this H2H program and related community care model and supporting AI prediction model are expected to contribute to the next wave of Singapore's public healthcare efforts from 2023 onwards.For the convenience of the reader,some content that introduces the H2H program and the multiple readmissions AI prediction model that previously appeared in the prior Healthcare Science publication is repeated at the beginning of this article.展开更多
BACKGROUND Analgesia and sedation are commonly prescribed therapies within the intensive care unit(ICU)for patients receiving mechanical ventilation.Current guidelines recommend utilizing an analgesia-first approach t...BACKGROUND Analgesia and sedation are commonly prescribed therapies within the intensive care unit(ICU)for patients receiving mechanical ventilation.Current guidelines recommend utilizing an analgesia-first approach to initially reach appropriate pain control,while potentially achieving sedation goals concurrently.Our system employs a guideline-based ICU sedation order-set that features an electronic medical record(EMR)integrated ICU checklist that combines analgesia and sedation.AIM To identify systems-based factors that are associated with the use of continuous midazolam infusion administration in mechanically ventilated patients.METHODS We extracted EMR data from patients who received mechanical ventilation between January 1,2021,and December 31,2023.Subjects included were 18 years or older who received mechanical ventilation.“R”version 4.3.2 was used for data processing and statistical analysis.We performed a multivariable regression analysis to predict the administration of a continuous midazolam infusion with modified Sequential Organ Failure Assessment score,Charlson comorbidity index,and critical care medicine(CCM)primary service.RESULTS Of 3805 patients that underwent mechanical ventilation,62%were male,with a mean age of 66.9 years.3429 patients were treated by a provider team with a CCM attending,and 376 patients were managed by a non-CCM primary team with CCM consultative services.A midazolam infusion was used in 187 of 3429(5%)patients with CCM as primary and in 166 of 376(56%)patients with non-CCM primary(χ2598.23,P<0.001).Of the patients who received continuous midazolam,117(21%)died vs 236(7%)survived hospitalization.Continuous midazolam was associated with more days with coma and more days with delirium(P<0.0001).CONCLUSION Continuous midazolam infusion was more likely in patients admitted to the ICU under an open unit with a non-CCM physician with an intensivist consult available,despite guided order-sets and checklists integrated into the EMR.展开更多
The Pharmaceutical Care(PC)service is a growing sector.The continuous development of the role of the professional pharmacist in the sector of health services within the pharmacy leads to having an active role in the p...The Pharmaceutical Care(PC)service is a growing sector.The continuous development of the role of the professional pharmacist in the sector of health services within the pharmacy leads to having an active role in the primary care.The PC service has been in operation for years in other western countries such as Spain,the United Kingdom and the United States.Several studies have been carried out,which confirm the benefits of the service in reducing morbidity,hospital admissions and the cost of the health care system.This article sets out the concept of PC and the financial benefit to health expenditure.It also analyzes the Drug Therapy Problem(DTP)and the Patient Care Process.To conclude,a patient case is presented to understand the practical implementation of the theory of the PC and to show how the professional pharmacist reports the pharmacotherapeutic case.展开更多
Objectives:Nurses working in critical care units may encounter substantial work-related strain,and elevated levels of stress can lead to burnout,ultimately impacting both the quality of nursing care and their overall ...Objectives:Nurses working in critical care units may encounter substantial work-related strain,and elevated levels of stress can lead to burnout,ultimately impacting both the quality of nursing care and their overall working experience.This study aimed to assess job burnout and determine the factors that contribute to it among critical care nurses in the Eastern Province of Saudi Arabia.Methods:This study employed a descriptive,exploratory,cross-sectional research design.A total of 220 nurses employed in the critical care units of 5 private hospitals in the eastern region were selected for participation in this study using a convenience sample method.An electronic survey was distributed to critical care nurses in the Eastern Province who satisfied the specified inclusion criteria.The job burnout questionnaire utilized in this study was derived from previously conducted research,which has been established as a reliable and valid survey instrument.The process of data analysis was conducted utilizing the SPSS program.The scientific research conducted on human subjects adhered rigorously to all ethical considerations.Results:The highest percentage of nurses at the critical care units reported experiencing moderate levels of job burnout.Nurses exhibiting greater levels of professional experience demonstrated a statistically significant reduction in overall burnout scores when compared to their less experienced counterparts.Furthermore,within the realm of sociodemographic factors,it was found that the only significant independent predictor for job burnout was the level of experience among critical care nurses.Conclusions:The prevalence of burnout among nurses in critical care settings was found to be significant,with most participants reporting moderate levels of burnout which can yield significant ramifications for nurses and healthcare professionals.Consequently,healthcare organizations must accord primacy to the welfare of their staff and adopt proactive strategies to mitigate job burnout.展开更多
文摘BACKGROUND The need for an emergency upgrade of a hospitalized trauma patient from the floor to the trauma intensive care unit(ICU)is an unanticipated event with possible life-threatening consequences.Unplanned ICU admissions are associated with increased morbidity and mortality and are an indicator of trauma service quality.Two different types of unplanned ICU admissions include upgrades(patients admitted to the floor then moved to the ICU)and bounce backs(patients admitted to the ICU,discharged to the floor,and then readmitted to the ICU).Previous studies have shown that geriatric trauma patients are at higher risk for unfavorable outcomes.AIM To analyze the characteristics,management and outcomes of trauma patients who had an unplanned ICU admission during their hospitalization.METHODS This institutional review board approved,retrospective cohort study examined 203 adult trauma patients with unplanned ICU admission at an urban level 1 trauma center over a six-year period(2017-2023).This included 134 upgrades and 69 bounce backs.Analyzed variables included:(1)Age;(2)Sex;(3)Comorbidities;(4)Mechanism of injury(MOI);(5)Injury severity score(ISS);(6)Glasgow Coma Scale(GCS);(7)Type of injury;(8)Transfusions;(9)Consultations;(10)Timing and reason for unplanned admission;(11)Intubations;(12)Surgical interventions;(13)ICU and hospital lengths of stay;and(14)Mortality.RESULTS Unplanned ICU admissions comprised 4.2%of total ICU admissions.Main MOI was falls.Mean age was 70.7 years,ISS was 12.8 and GCS was 13.9.Main injuries were traumatic brain injury(37.4%)and thoracic injury(21.7%),and main reason for unplanned ICU admission was respiratory complication(39.4%).The 47.3%underwent a surgical procedure and 46.8%were intubated.Average timing for unplanned ICU admission was 2.9 days.Bounce backs occurred half as often as upgrades,however had higher rates of transfusions(63.8%vs 40.3%,P=0.002),consultations(4.8 vs 3.0,P<0.001),intubations(63.8%vs 38.1%%,P=0.001),longer ICU lengths of stay(13.2 days vs 6.4 days,P<0.001)and hospital lengths of stay(26.7 days vs 13.0 days,P<0.001).Mortality was 25.6%among unplanned ICU admissions,31.9%among geriatric unplanned ICU admissions and 11.9%among all trauma ICU patients.CONCLUSION Unplanned ICU admissions constituted 4.2%of total ICU admissions.Respiratory complications were the main cause of unplanned ICU admissions.Bounce backs occurred half as often as upgrades,but were associated with worse outcomes.
文摘Adolescence and the journey to adulthood involves exciting opportunities as well as psychosocial stress for young people growing up.These normal experiences are potentially magnified for teenagers living with chronic illness or disability and their families.Advances in care have improved survival for children with a variety of serious chronic medical conditions such that many who may once have died in childhood now survive well into adulthood with ongoing morbidity.For those with highly complex needs,care is often provided at major paediatric hospitals with expertise,specially trained personnel,and resources to support young people and their families for the first decades of life.At the end of adolescence,however,it is generally appropriate and necessary for young adults and their caregivers to transition to the care of clinicians trained in the care of adults at general hospitals.While there are some well-managed models to support this journey of transition,these are often specific to certain conditions and usually do not involve intensive care.Many patients may encounter considerable challenges during this period.Difficulties may include the loss of established therapeutic relationships,a perception of austerity and reduced amenity in facilities oriented to caring for adult patients,and care by clinicians with less experience with more common paediatric conditions.In addition,there is a risk of potential conflict between clinicians and families regarding goals of care in the event of a critical illness when it occurs in a young adult with major disability and long-term health issues.These challenges present genuine opportunities to better understand the transition from paediatric to adult-based care and to improve processes that assist clinicians who support patients and families as they shift between healthcare settings.
文摘This letter responds to Wang et al's recent publication on endoscopic biliary stenting for malignant obstructive jaundice(MOJ)by offering constructive feedback and suggestions for future research.We commend the authors for their comprehensive study design and execution,which included a clear delineation of study groups and a robust set of outcome measures.We suggest that future studies incorporate additional biomarkers,such as serum levels of liver enzymes and bilirubin,to provide a more nuanced understanding of liver function changes post-intervention.The study's focus on short-term survival rates is appreciated,but we recommend exploring longer-term follow-up periods to capture the full spectrum of survival outcomes.Additionally,the inclusion of quality of life assessments using validated instruments could offer a more holistic view of patient outcomes.From a critical care perspective,we advocate for the integration of advanced imaging techniques to better characterize biliary anatomy and potentially predict treatment response or complications.We believe that incor-porating these suggestions could enhance the understanding of endoscopic biliary stenting's role in MOJ management and its impact on patient outcomes,influ-encing future clinical guidelines and practice.
文摘Management of patients with acute hemorrhage requires addressing the source of bleeding,replenishing blood volume,and addressing any coagulopathy that may be present.Assessing coagulopathy and predicting blood requirements in real-time in patients experiencing ongoing bleeding can pose substantial challenges.In these patients,transfusion concepts based on ratios do not effectively address coagulopathy or reduce mortality.Moreover,ratio-based concepts do not stop bleeding;instead,they just give physicians more time to identify the bleeding source and plan management strategies.In clinical practice,standard laboratory coagulation tests(SLCT)are frequently used to assess various aspects of blood clotting.However,these tests may not always offer a comprehensive under-standing of clinically significant coagulopathy and the severity of blood loss.Furthermore,the SLCT have a considerable turnaround time,which may not be ideal for making prompt clinical decisions.In recent years,there has been a growing interest in point-of-care viscoelastic assays like rotational thromboelast-ometry,which provide real-time,dynamic information about clot formation and dissolution.
文摘Intensive care unit(ICU)acquired sarcopenia and myosteatosis are increasingly recognized complications of critical illness,characterized by a rapid loss of ske-letal muscle mass,quality,and function.These conditions result from a complex interplay of systemic inflammation,immobilization,catabolic stress,mitochon-drial dysfunction,and immune dysregulation,often culminating in impaired recovery,prolonged hospitalization,and increased long-term mortality.First identified in survivors of sepsis and prolonged mechanical ventilation,these muscle abnormalities were initially described using computed tomography-based assessments of muscle area and density.Subsequent advances in imaging,biomarker discovery,and functional testing have enabled earlier detection and risk stratification across diverse ICU populations.While nutritional optimization and early mobilization form the cornerstone of current prevention and treatment strategies,the emergence of novel approaches,including automated artificial intelligence-based screening,neuromuscular electrical stimulation,and targeted pharmacologic therapies,has broadened the clinical scope of interventions.Despite their significant prognostic implications,ICU-acquired sarcopenia and myosteatosis remain under-recognized in routine critical care practice.This mini-review aims to synthesize current knowledge regarding their pathophysiology,available diagnostic modalities,prognostic relevance,and the evolving landscape of therapeutic strategies for long-term functional recovery in critically ill patients.
文摘Desmopressin(1-deamino-8-D-arginine vasopressin,DDAVP)is a synthetic analogue of arginine vasopressin,the body’s natural antidiuretic hormone.It acts selectively on V2 receptors,promoting renal water reabsorption and stimulating the release of von Willebrand factor(vWF)and factor VIII,while exerting minimal vasoconstrictive effects through V1 receptors.Developed in the late 1960s and introduced clinically in the early 1970s for the management of central diabetes insipidus,desmopressin was engineered to provide a longer duration of action and reduced cardiovascular side effects compared to native vasopressin.Its haemostatic potential was later recognized when it was observed to enhance endogenous levels of vWF and factor VIII,leading to its incorporation into the treatment of mild haemophilia A and von Willebrand disease(vWD).This unique combination of antidiuretic and prohemostatic properties has broadened its therapeutic role across various clinical settings.In critical care,desmopressin has emerged as a potentially valuable agent in managing complex scenarios such as uremic platelet dysfunction,trauma-associated coagulopathy,intracranial hemorrhage,vWD,and central diabetes insipidus.However,despite its mechanistic appeal and broad pharmacologic utility,the full scope of desmopressin’s applications in the intensive care unit(ICU)remains underrecognized.This review aims to provide a comprehensive examination of desmopressin’s pharmacological characteristics,evidence-based indications in critically ill patients,therapeutic efficacy,safety profile,and practical considerations for dosing in the ICU setting.
文摘Objective:To explore the impact of parenting care guidance combined with preventive healthcare on child family parenting.Methods:Ninety-two child families were included as research subjects and randomly divided into a control group and an observation group,with 46 cases in each group.The former implemented basic preventive healthcare,while the latter simultaneously carried out parenting care guidance combined with preventive healthcare.The intervention results of the two groups were compared.Results:The observation group had a higher awareness rate of family parenting knowledge and a higher formation rate of healthy behaviors,P<0.05.At the same time,parents’parenting anxiety scores were lower,and family health management ability scores were higher,P<0.05.Moreover,the observation group showed higher scores in children’s social skills,P<0.05.Conclusion:Parenting care guidance combined with preventive healthcare can effectively improve the status of child family parenting,and it is worthy of promotion and application.
文摘1|Introduction.In Japan,the declining birthrate,aging population,and the growing prevalence of nuclear families present major challenges for informal caregiving.These factors have led to an increase in caregiving among older adults,a phenomenon commonly referred to as“RouRou-kaigo”in Japanese.As of 2022,older adults account for 63.5%of informal care households in Japan[1].
文摘BACKGROUND Excessive noise in healthcare environments—commonly described as"unwanted sound"—has been linked to a range of negative impacts on both patients and staff.In clinical settings,elevated noise levels have been associated with sleep disruption,heightened cardiovascular stress,and an increased risk of delirium in patients.Among healthcare workers,noise can impair focus and cognitive performance,potentially compromising care quality.AIM To evaluate the effectiveness of educational and behavioural interventions in reducing noise levels within intensive care units(ICUs),recognizing their potential impact on patient outcomes and healthcare effectiveness.METHODS A prospective interventional study in two Singaporean teaching hospitals compared peak and average sound levels between control and intervention groups.An educational and behavioural intervention comprising talks,posters,and self-audits by nurse champions was initiated in two ICUs in one hospital on November 18,2023.Sound measurements were collected at 4 Locations within each ICU before and after intervention.Baseline measurements were taken from October 22,2023 to October 29,2023,and post-intervention measurements from December 21,2023 to December 22,2023.The hospitals served as the primary exposure variable,controlled for ICU type(medical vs surgical)and hour of the day.RESULTS Our analysis generated 48 pairs of peak and average sound level readings for each unit(control n=48 readings;intervention n=48 readings).The effect of the intervention was associated with a significant 4.8 dB decrease in average sound level(P=0.009)and a nonsignificant 4.3 dB decrease in peak sound level(P=0.104),adjusted for hour of day and type of ICU.CONCLUSION Educational and behavioural interventions successfully reduced average sound levels,emphasizing their positive impact on noise control.These findings contribute valuable insights for optimizing noise reduction efforts in critical care settings.Future studies may explore additional systemic and environmental interventions to enhance noise management strategies.
基金Baoding Science and Technology Bureau Project“Study on the Impact of Continuing Care on Self-Care Ability and Quality of Life in COPD Patients”(Project No.2441ZF276)。
文摘Objective:To explore the significance of continuing care in improving self-care ability and quality of life in patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease(COPD).Methods:A total of 60 COPD patients treated in our department between June 2023 and June 2024 were randomly divided into control and observation groups.The control group received routine care,while the observation group received additional continuing care.Self-care ability and quality of life were compared between the two groups.Results:After the intervention,the observation group demonstrated higher self-care ability and quality of life scores compared to the control group(P<0.05).Conclusion:Continuing care for COPD patients has a positive impact on enhancing self-care ability and improving quality of life,making it worth recommending.
文摘BACKGROUND Although critically ill pediatric patients can benefit from the use of sedation,it can cause side effects and even iatrogenic complications.Since pediatric patients cannot adequately express the intensity or location of the pain,discriminating the cause of their irritability and agitation can be more complicated than in adults.Thus,sedation therapy for children requires more careful attention.AIM To evaluate the association of the internal parental care protocol and the reduction in pediatric intensive care unit(PICU)postoperatively.METHODS This retrospective cohort study was carried out in the PICU of the tertiary medical center in Kazakhstan.The internal parental care protocol was developed and implemented by critical care team.During the pandemic,restrictions were also placed on parental presence in the PICU.We compare two groups:During restriction and after return to normal.The level of agitation was evaluated using the Richmond Agitation-Sedation Scale.Univariate and multivariate logistic regression analyses were performed to examine associations of parental care with sedation therapy.RESULTS A total of 289 patients were included in the study.Of them,167 patients were hospitalized during and 122 after the restrictions of parental care.In multivariate analysis,parental care was associated with lower odds of prescribing diazepam(odds ratio=0.11,95%confidence interval:0.05-0.25),controlling for age,sex,cerebral palsy,and type of surgery.CONCLUSION The results of this study show that parental care was associated only with decreased odds of prescribing sedative drugs,while no differences were observed for analgesics.
文摘BACKGROUND Return of spontaneous circulation(ROSC)following cardiopulmonary resuscitation(CPR)is a critical determinant of survival in patients experiencing cardiac arrest.This study aimed to investigate the relationship between the duration of CPR,the achievement of ROSC,and both short-term[intensive care unit(ICU)and in-hospital]and long-term survival outcomes in patients admitted to the medical intensive care unit(MICU)of Dr.Moopen’s Medical College Hospital,Wayanad,Kerala,India.AIM To assess how cardiopulmonary resuscitation duration impacts short-term and long-term survival in cardiac arrest patients in intensive care.METHODS A retrospective observational cohort study was conducted on adult patients who received CPR in the MICU between March 2023 and March 2024.Data were extracted from electronic medical records,including demographics,duration of CPR,ROSC achievement,and survival outcomes.Short-term survival was defined as survival to ICU discharge and in-hospital mortality,while long-term survival was assessed at six months post-arrest.Statistical analysis was performed using SPSS software,with Kaplan-Meier survival analysis and Cox regression used to identify predictors of mortality.RESULTS A total of 142 patients were included in the study.The median duration of CPR was 15 minutes.ROSC was achieved in 68 patients(47.9%).A significant association was observed between the duration of CPR and ROSC achievement(P<0.001).Patients who achieved ROSC early had significantly higher rates of short-term and longterm survival compared to those who did not(P<0.001).Each additional minute of CPR was associated with a 7%decrease in the odds of achieving ROSC.Longer CPR duration(HR:1.05,95%CI:1.02-1.08),absence of ROSC(HR:4.87,95%CI:2.31-10.28),older age(HR:1.03,95%CI:1.01-1.06)and unwitnessed arrest(HR:1.89,95%CI:1.05-3.41)were independent predictors of mortality.CONCLUSION Timely,effective cardiopulmonary resuscitation improves survival in intensive care.Duration significantly predicts return of circulation and outcomes.Further research should explore factors affecting resuscitation length and optimize treatment strategies.
文摘Achieving universal eye health remains a global challenge,particularly in low-and middle-income countries where visual impairment and blindness are prevalent.While advances in tertiary eye care have improved outcomes,access to primary eye care(PEC)continues to be inadequate in rural and underserved regions.This gap necessitates innovative,scalable models that provide accessible,affordable,and comprehensive eye care.The Vision Centre(VC)model,pioneered by the Aravind Eye Care System(AECS),exemplifies a sustainable approach to delivering PEC.Designed as permanent facilities in rural communities,VCs are equipped with state-of-the-art diagnostic tools and staffed by trained allied ophthalmic personnel.The integration of teleophthalmology,electronic medical records,and artificial intelligence enhances the model’s capacity to address complex conditions like diabetic retinopathy and glaucoma.VCs have demonstrated significant impact in improving accessibility,reducing financial burdens,and increasing utilization of eye care services.In the fiscal year 2023-2024,AECS VCs recorded nearly one million outpatient visits,achieving a 25%population coverage rate and generating substantial cost savings of ₹647 million(US$7.8 million)for patients.The model's success is underpinned by community engagement,a focus on operational excellence,and a robust referral system to tertiary hospitals.This review explores the evolution,implementation,and impact of the AECS VC model,emphasizing its alignment with the Sustainable Development Goals and Universal Health Coverage.By addressing accessibility and affordability,the VC model serves as a scalable template for primary eye care delivery in resource-limited settings globally.
文摘Background:While quantitative research has determined that emotional distress and psychiatric illness among frontline healthcare workers increased with the COVID-19 pandemic,detailed qualitative data describing their personal experiences are needed in order to make appropriate plans to address provider mental health in future pandemics.This study aims to further explore the psychological effects of the pandemic on COVID-19 ICU clinicians and administrators through focus groups.Methods:Two separate 2-h focus groups of physicians were conducted,one with frontline faculty clinicians and another with administrators.Qualitative data analysis was conducted.Results:In September and November 2023,volunteer samples were recruited from the pulmonary and critical care medicine division of The University of Texas Southwestern physicians who served during the pandemic primarily as clinicians(N=6)or in major administrative roles(N=5).Perceptions of both administrators’and clinicians’pandemic experiences were coded into the same 7 qualitative themes:planning,sense of community and isolation,disparities and inequalities,communication and listening,leadership,effects of the pandemic,and emotional/psychiatric/coping responses.Effects of the pandemic were the most coded theme in both groups;second was disparities and inequalities for clinicians and pandemic planning for administrators.Thematic content is summarized separately for clinicians and administrators,illustrated with representative quotes.Conclusion:This study adds detailed qualitative findings to enrich existing quantitative knowledge on frontline COVID-19 workers’emotional responses.Both clinicians and administrators identified helpful and non-helpful institutional responses.These findings are consistent with prior studies of disaster worker experiences and may help to inform efforts to address provider mental health in future pandemics.
文摘In a prior practice and policy article published in Healthcare Science,we introduced the deployed application of an artificial intelligence(AI)model to predict longer‐term inpatient readmissions to guide community care interventions for patients with complex conditions in the context of Singapore's Hospital to Home(H2H)program that has been operating since 2017.In this follow on practice and policy article,we further elaborate on Singapore's H2H program and care model,and its supporting AI model for multiple readmission prediction,in the following ways:(1)by providing updates on the AI and supporting information systems,(2)by reporting on customer engagement and related service delivery outcomes including staff‐related time savings and patient benefits in terms of bed days saved,(3)by sharing lessons learned with respect to(i)analytics challenges encountered due to the high degree of heterogeneity and resulting variability of the data set associated with the population of program participants,(ii)balancing competing needs for simpler and stable predictive models versus continuing to further enhance models and add yet more predictive variables,and(iii)the complications of continuing to make model changes when the AI part of the system is highly interlinked with supporting clinical information systems,(4)by highlighting how this H2H effort supported broader Covid‐19 response efforts across Singapore's public healthcare system,and finally(5)by commenting on how the experiences and related capabilities acquired from running this H2H program and related community care model and supporting AI prediction model are expected to contribute to the next wave of Singapore's public healthcare efforts from 2023 onwards.For the convenience of the reader,some content that introduces the H2H program and the multiple readmissions AI prediction model that previously appeared in the prior Healthcare Science publication is repeated at the beginning of this article.
文摘BACKGROUND Analgesia and sedation are commonly prescribed therapies within the intensive care unit(ICU)for patients receiving mechanical ventilation.Current guidelines recommend utilizing an analgesia-first approach to initially reach appropriate pain control,while potentially achieving sedation goals concurrently.Our system employs a guideline-based ICU sedation order-set that features an electronic medical record(EMR)integrated ICU checklist that combines analgesia and sedation.AIM To identify systems-based factors that are associated with the use of continuous midazolam infusion administration in mechanically ventilated patients.METHODS We extracted EMR data from patients who received mechanical ventilation between January 1,2021,and December 31,2023.Subjects included were 18 years or older who received mechanical ventilation.“R”version 4.3.2 was used for data processing and statistical analysis.We performed a multivariable regression analysis to predict the administration of a continuous midazolam infusion with modified Sequential Organ Failure Assessment score,Charlson comorbidity index,and critical care medicine(CCM)primary service.RESULTS Of 3805 patients that underwent mechanical ventilation,62%were male,with a mean age of 66.9 years.3429 patients were treated by a provider team with a CCM attending,and 376 patients were managed by a non-CCM primary team with CCM consultative services.A midazolam infusion was used in 187 of 3429(5%)patients with CCM as primary and in 166 of 376(56%)patients with non-CCM primary(χ2598.23,P<0.001).Of the patients who received continuous midazolam,117(21%)died vs 236(7%)survived hospitalization.Continuous midazolam was associated with more days with coma and more days with delirium(P<0.0001).CONCLUSION Continuous midazolam infusion was more likely in patients admitted to the ICU under an open unit with a non-CCM physician with an intensivist consult available,despite guided order-sets and checklists integrated into the EMR.
文摘The Pharmaceutical Care(PC)service is a growing sector.The continuous development of the role of the professional pharmacist in the sector of health services within the pharmacy leads to having an active role in the primary care.The PC service has been in operation for years in other western countries such as Spain,the United Kingdom and the United States.Several studies have been carried out,which confirm the benefits of the service in reducing morbidity,hospital admissions and the cost of the health care system.This article sets out the concept of PC and the financial benefit to health expenditure.It also analyzes the Drug Therapy Problem(DTP)and the Patient Care Process.To conclude,a patient case is presented to understand the practical implementation of the theory of the PC and to show how the professional pharmacist reports the pharmacotherapeutic case.
文摘Objectives:Nurses working in critical care units may encounter substantial work-related strain,and elevated levels of stress can lead to burnout,ultimately impacting both the quality of nursing care and their overall working experience.This study aimed to assess job burnout and determine the factors that contribute to it among critical care nurses in the Eastern Province of Saudi Arabia.Methods:This study employed a descriptive,exploratory,cross-sectional research design.A total of 220 nurses employed in the critical care units of 5 private hospitals in the eastern region were selected for participation in this study using a convenience sample method.An electronic survey was distributed to critical care nurses in the Eastern Province who satisfied the specified inclusion criteria.The job burnout questionnaire utilized in this study was derived from previously conducted research,which has been established as a reliable and valid survey instrument.The process of data analysis was conducted utilizing the SPSS program.The scientific research conducted on human subjects adhered rigorously to all ethical considerations.Results:The highest percentage of nurses at the critical care units reported experiencing moderate levels of job burnout.Nurses exhibiting greater levels of professional experience demonstrated a statistically significant reduction in overall burnout scores when compared to their less experienced counterparts.Furthermore,within the realm of sociodemographic factors,it was found that the only significant independent predictor for job burnout was the level of experience among critical care nurses.Conclusions:The prevalence of burnout among nurses in critical care settings was found to be significant,with most participants reporting moderate levels of burnout which can yield significant ramifications for nurses and healthcare professionals.Consequently,healthcare organizations must accord primacy to the welfare of their staff and adopt proactive strategies to mitigate job burnout.