RESUMO
Patients with severe burns are at high risk of thermoregulatory failure. Yet, there is a lack of consensus regarding the optimum approach to temperature dysregulation in patients with severe burns. Intravascular temperature management catheters may offer a superior method of temperature control, but robust data is lacking. In this article we describe our experience in using a thermoregulatory catheter for temperature management in a tertiary referral burns centre. We conducted a single-centre, prospective evaluation of the use of a thermoregulatory intravenous catheter system (Thermogard XP®) in critically injured burns patients admitted to our Intensive Care Unit over an 18-month period. 10 patients had a total of 12 catheters inserted. Patient temperatures were maintained between a median low of 36.9°C and median high of 38.4°C whilst in the Intensive Care Unit. If patients were transferred to theatre, the median temperature change was -0.15°C (IQR -0.3, 0) if Total Body Surface Area (TBSA) was ≤50% and -1.45°C (IQR -2.05, -0.975) if >50%. No surgical procedures were terminated due to intra-operative hypothermia. On return from theatre, 72.2% of patients were normothermic with a median temperature of 36.8°C. 30% of patients developed a thrombotic complication. Overall, the device appeared reliable in achieving and maintaining normothermia for critically ill burns patients manifesting temperature dysregulation. It may also be of benefit to patients expected to show temperature fluctuations during operative procedures. Further research is needed to define whether this represents an improvement over current practice and to investigate the thrombus risk associated with such devices.
RESUMO
BACKGROUND: The United Kingdom (UK) has a significant and rising population of refugees and asylum seekers, including many who have previously worked as healthcare professionals. Evidence shows they have struggled to join and successfully work in the UK National Health Service (NHS) despite initiatives designed to improve their inclusion. This paper presents a narrative review based on research surrounding this population to describe the barriers that have impeded their integration and possible ways to overcome them. METHODS: We conducted a literature review to obtain peer-reviewed primary research from key databases (PubMed, Web of Science, Medline, EMBASE). The collected sources were individually reviewed against predetermined questions to construct a cohesive narrative. RESULTS: 46 studies were retrieved, of which 13 satisfied the inclusion criteria. The vast majority of literature focussed on doctors with minimal research on other healthcare workers. Study review identified numerous barriers impeding the integration of refugee and asylum seeker healthcare professionals (RASHPs) into the workforce that are unique from other international medical graduates seeking employment in the UK. These include experiences of trauma, additional legal hurdles and restrictions on their right to work, significant gaps in work experience, and financial difficulties. Several work experience and/or training programs have been created to help RASHPs obtain substantive employment, the most successful of which have involved a multifaceted approach and an income for participants. CONCLUSIONS: Continual work towards improving the integration of RASHPs into the UK NHS is mutually beneficial. Existing research is significantly limited in quantity, but it provides a direction for future programs and support systems.
