ABSTRACT
The transition from a physician-driven heparin protocol to a nurse- driven heparin protocol at one institution resulted in shorter times to therapeutic activated partial thromboplastin time (aPTT), increased time within goal aPTT range, and an increased percent- age of patients who ultimately achieved a therapeutic aPTT.
Subject(s)
Administration, Intravenous/standards , Anticoagulants/therapeutic use , Drug Prescriptions/standards , Heparin/therapeutic use , Nursing Staff, Hospital/statistics & numerical data , Physicians/statistics & numerical data , Thrombosis/drug therapy , Adult , Aged , Aged, 80 and over , Female , Humans , Male , Middle AgedABSTRACT
BACKGROUND: Little has been published about how to prevent pressure ulcers in severely debilitated, immobile patients in intensive care units. OBJECTIVE: To present a possible prevention strategy for postoperative cardiovascular surgery patients at high risk for development of pressure ulcers. METHODS: Staff chose to implement air fluidized therapy beds, which provide maximal immersion and envelopment as a measure for preventing pressure ulcers in patients who (1) required vasopressors for at least 24 hours and (2) required mechanical ventilation for at least 24 hours postoperatively. RESULTS: Only 1 of 27 patients had a pressure ulcer develop while on the air fluidized therapy bed (February 2008 through August 2008), and that ulcer was only a stage I ulcer, compared with 40 ulcers in 25 patients before the intervention. CONCLUSIONS: Patients spent a mean of 7.9 days on the mattress, and the cost of bed rental was approximately $18000, which was similar to the cost of treatment of 1 pressure ulcer in stage III or IV (about $40000) and was considered cost-effective.
