Impact of an inpatient multidisciplinary glucose control management program

ABSTRACT Objective: Glycemic control has been increasingly recognized as a critical element in inpatient care, but optimal management of blood glucose in the hospital setting remains challenging. The aims of this study were to describe and evaluate the impact of the implementation of an inpatient multidisciplinary glucose control management program on glucose control in hospitalized patients. Materials and methods: Retrospective analysis of medical records and glucose monitoring data obtained by point- of-care testing (POCT) in hospitalized patients before (May 2014) and after (June 2015 and May 2017) the implementation of the program. Results: We analyzed 6888, 7290, and 7669 POCTs from 389, 545, and 475 patients in May 2014, June 2015, and May 2017, respectively. Hyperglycemia (≥ 180 mg/ dL) occurred in 23.5%, 19.6%, and 19.3% POCTs in May 2014, June 2015, and May/2017, respectively (p < 0.001), while severe hyperglycemia (≥ 300 mg/dL) was observed in 2.5%, 2.2%, and 1.8% of them, respectively (p = 0.003). Hyperglycemia (≥ 180 mg/dL) reduced significantly from May 2014 to June 2015 (16.3%, p < 0.001) and from May 2014 to May 2017 (178%, p < 0.001). No significant changes occurred in hypoglycemic parameters. Conclusions: The implementation of an inpatient multidisciplinary glucose control management program led to significant reductions in hyperglycemic events. The key elements for this achievement were the development of institutional inpatient glycemic control protocols, establishment of a multidisciplinary team, and continuing educational programs for hospital personnel. Altogether, these actions resulted in improvements in care processes, patient safety, and clinical outcomes of hospitalized patients.

Causas da retirada não planejada da sonda de alimentação em terapia intensiva / Causes for the unplanned removal of the feeding tube in intensive care

OBJETIVO: Descrever as principais causas da perda da sonda de alimentação e analisar as ações que tiveram impacto para a redução desta intercorrência. MÉTODOS: Trata-se de um estudo transversal com dados secundários provenientes de 4228 pacientes/dia com sonda de alimentação. RESULTADOS: As causas da perda da sonda foram: a retirada pelo paciente (50%) e obstrução da sonda (36%). Observadas a correlação da perda da sonda enteral com alterações da cognição dos pacientes (delirium e demência) e a incrustação de resíduos no lúmen da sonda. CONCLUSÃO: As principais causas de retirada da sonda de alimentação foram relacionadas ao paciente e à obstrução. As medidas proativas para evitar a obstrução da sonda foram impactantes no período em que foram aplicadas as demais medidas tiveram baixo impacto.

OBJECTIVE: Describe the main causes for the loss of the feeding tube and analyze the actions that had an impact towards the reduction of this adverse event. METHODS: Cross-sectional study with secondary data from 4228 patients/day using a feeding tube. RESULTS: The main causes for the loss of the tube were: removal by the patient (50%) and obstruction of the tube (36%). The correlation of the loss of the feeding tube with alterations in the patients' cognition (delirium and dementia) and the incrustation of residues in the lumen of the tube were observed. CONCLUSION: The main causes for the removal of the feeding tube were related to the patient and the obstruction. Proactive measures to prevent the obstruction of the tube had a good impact during the period in which they were applied, whereas other measures had low impact.

Como implementar cuidados paliativos de qualidade na unidade de terapia intensiva / How to implement quality in palliative care at intensive care unit

JUSTIFICATIVA E OBJETIVOS: Os cuidados paliativos têm como objetivo a prevenção e o alívio do sofrimento, melhorando a comunicação e o sinergismo com a terapêutica curativa. Esta filosofia de tratamento conjuga os valores dos pacientes e de seus familiares, facilitando as transferências entre os vários setores intra-hospitalares, que possam estar conduzindo um paciente com grave risco de vida. CONTEÚDO: Apesar de ainda estar se desenvolvendo em todo o mundo, os cuidados paliativos estão progressivamente integrando-se aos cuidados curativos, inclusive nos ambientes de terapia intensiva. Entretanto, várias evidências têm demonstrado que esta abordagem médica ainda precisa melhorar, seja para os pacientes com sintomas de desconforto significativos ou dores físicas, nas unidades de terapia intensiva, ou na percepção dos familiares, que também é falha, sobretudo no que cerne às recomendações básicas como as intervenções diagnósticas, prognósticas e terapêuticas. CONCLUSÕES: O desenvolvimento de pesquisa nesta área promoverá indicadores de desempenho, o que nos garantirá eficiência, qualidade operacional, e melhoria constante desses cuidados. Este artigo destaca a importância da medicina paliativa e propõe alternativas e planos para promoção de uma abordagem paliativa em tempo apropriado, no sentido de tornar a medicina geral mais próxima dos valores e dignidade humana.

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES: Palliative care has the objective of preventing and relieving suffering by improving communication and synergism with curative therapy. This philosophy of treatment combines the patients' values and their families and facilitates the movement in various hospital departments, which might occur with critically ill patients. CONTENTS: Though still little developed in the world, palliative care is gradually integrating curative care in intensive care units. However, various pieces of evidence have been showing that there is still a necessity to improve, especially for patients with symptoms of discomfort and pain, in intensive care environments. The patients' families still have a poor understanding of the basic recommendations: diagnostic, prognostic and therapeutic interventions. CONCLUSIONS: Development of research in this area can promote performance indicators trying to ensure efficiency, operational quality, and constant improvement of care. This article highlights the importance of palliative medicine and proposes alternatives to promoting an appropriate time approach, bringing general medicine closer to human values.