Dysphagia management by nurses in Spanish intensive care units.

INTRODUCTION/PURPOSE: Dysphagia is a disorder that presents with specific signs and symptoms in critically ill patients. Intensive care unit (ICU) nurses are responsible for monitoring and detecting abnormalities in critically ill patients, so they must be trained to assess swallowing and the complications that may arise. The aim of this research is to analyse the dynamics of the detection and assessment of dysphagia by ICU nurses. METHOD: Cross-sectional descriptive study using an electronic questionnaire to nurses from different Spanish ICUs. The survey was adapted from previous research and consisted of 6 sections with 30 items of qualitative questions. The collection period was between December 2022 and March 2023. Statistical analysis was performed using frequencies and percentages, and the Chi-Square test was used for bivariate analysis. OUTCOMES: 43 nurses were recruited. Dysphagia is considered an important problem (90,7%) but in 50,3% of the units there is no standard or care protocol for this disorder. The most common technique is the swallowing test (32,6%). There is a consensus in our sample that aspiration pneumonia is the main problem; however, nurses in the busiest care units consider sepsis to be a frequent complication (p = ,029). The most common treatment is modification of food consistency (86,0%). CONCLUSION: The findings of this research show a low systematisation of dysphagia screening in the units included. There is a need for greater implementation of interventions and clinical protocols for monitoring complications as well as for compensatory and rehabilitative management.

Perception of novice nurses in an emergency box: A qualitative approach to their experiences and needs.

BACKGROUND: Nurses play an essential role in the care of emergency hospital patients, being the ones who have the most contact with the patient and the first to be able to detect their imminent deterioration. However, the literature shows the impact that this can have in terms of stress and insecurity among new nurses, with the consequent risk of resignation in the institution and in their learning process. AIMS: To explore the process of incorporation of new nurses in the emergency room, as well as to identify and understand their emotions, difficulties, needs and proposals for improvement. METHODS: Qualitative research aimed at emergency room nurses in a tertiary level university hospital in Catalonia, between April 2022 and March 2023. Twelve semi-structured interviews were conducted with content analysis. RESULTS: Four categories emerged: identification of deficiencies, emotional dimension, competencies of the expert nursing professional, and needs and proposals for improvement, as main themes. CONCLUSIONS: Insufficient training and deficit of interdisciplinary communication skills appear as main stressors. The analysis of the results suggests the need to create an intervention program that protects the mental and emotional health of new nurses and ensures the integrity of their patients. Innovative and multimodal training adapted to generational change is called for, with virtual, immersive, and contextualized simulation scenarios, together with the implementation of tools such as debriefing and nursing clinical sessions.

The roles and responsibilities of advanced practice nurses in intensive care units: A scoping review.

INTRODUCTION: Since the intensive care units are one of the most sensitive hospital settings and critically ill patients undergo various stressful factors that put their lives in danger, a more advanced level of nursing practice is imperative to accommodate these issues and provide optimal care of patients. OBJECTIVES: To review the literature describing the roles and activities performed by advanced practice nurses in intensive care units. REVIEW METHODS: We conducted a scoping review to search published articles using Scopus, PubMed, CINAHL (EBSCOhost), Science Direct, MEDLINE (EBSCOhost) and Cochrane Library during a 10-year period from 2013 to 2023. RESULTS: We identified 729 records, from which eleven articles were included in the review. We included six reviews and five original articles or research papers. With regard to the target area of our review, we used the information provided by these studies and categorized the contents related to the roles of advanced practice nurses in intensive care units into five sections, including direct practice, education and counseling, research, collaboration, and leadership. CONCLUSION: Advanced practice nurses are essential members of critical care team by playing various roles in practice, education, research, collaboration, and leadership, and therefore, they can increase patients' access to critical care and improve healthcare outcomes. The advancement of technology and complexity of care in intensive care units have led to the role expansion of these nurses which results in task-shifting between doctors and nurses. Therefore, it is considered essential for nursing and medical professionals to reach an agreement to establish standardized roles for advanced practice nurses.

Adverse events with arterial catheters in intensive care units: a scoping review.

INTRODUCTION: The installation of an arterial line is one of the invasive procedures performed for hemodynamic monitoring and, even with its clear importance in intensive care, it is still an invasive procedure and liable to cause harms to the patients. OBJECTIVE: To identify the adverse events associated with the use of arterial catheters in critically-ill patients in the world scientific production. METHODOLOGY: The present scoping review was conducted according to the JBI methodology for scoping reviews. The Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses extension for Scoping Reviews (PRISMA-ScR) checklist was used for reporting. The research question was "Which adverse events related to the use of arterial catheters in patients admitted to intensive care are more evident in the literature?". Data collection took place in the following databases: LILACS; MEDLINE; EMBASE; CINAHL, EBSCOhost; and WEB OF SCIENCE. RESULTS: Through the search strategies, 491 articles were found in the databases. After exclusion of duplicates, peer analysis of titles and abstracts, full reading and screening of lists of references, the final sample of studies included was 38 articles. The main harms cited by the publications were as follows: limb ischemia, thrombosis, hemorrhage, accidental removal, inadvertent connection of inadequate infusion solution, pseudoaneurysm and bloodstream infection. CONCLUSIONS: It was evidenced that patients are subjected to risks of adverse events from the insertion moment to removal of the arterial catheter, focusing on the infusion solution used to fill the circuit, the type of securement and dressings chosen, as well as the Nursing care measures for the prevention of bloodstream infection.

Sublingual and buccal drug administration in medical emergencies. / Administración sublingual y bucal de fármacos en situaciones de urgencia y emergencia vital.

Drug administration is crucial to achieve effective therapeutic drug outcomes. In medical emergencies, it is particularly convenient to use drugs that could be administered as an alternative to traditional routes (as oral or intravenous routes), that are not always suitable in these situations. Thus, sublingual and buccal routes offer an alternative to traditional routes, when a rapid onset of action is required. The main objective of this narrative review is to summarize the evidence for the use of sublingual and buccal drug administration in medical emergencies. The evidence obtained has been divided into four common scenarios found in the emergency department and intensive care units: cardiovascular emergencies, acute pain, agitation, and epileptic status. Moreover, the main advantages and disadvantages of sublingual and buccal routes are presented, as the future perspectives in the drug delivery field to overcome the limitations of these routes.

Risk factors and outcome of acute kidney injury in critically ill patients with SARS-CoV-2 pneumonia: a multicenter study.

OBJECTIVE: To assess incidence, risk factors and impact of acute kidney injury(AKI) within 48 h of intensive care unit(ICU) admission on ICU mortality in patients with SARS-CoV-2 pneumonia. To assess ICU mortality and risk factors for continuous renal replacement therapy (CRRT) in AKI I and II patients. DESIGN: Retrospective observational study. SETTING: Sixty-seven ICU from Spain, Andorra, Ireland. PATIENTS: 5399 patients March 2020 to April 2022. MAIN VARIABLES OF INTEREST: Demographic variables, comorbidities, laboratory data (worst values) during the first two days of ICU admission to generate a logistic regression model describing independent risk factors for AKI and ICU mortality. AKI was defined according to current international guidelines (kidney disease improving global outcomes, KDIGO). RESULTS: Of 5399 patients included 1879 (34.8%) developed AKI. These patients had higher ICU mortality and AKI was independently associated with a higher ICU mortality (HR 1.32 CI 1.17-1.48; p < 0.001). Male gender, hypertension, diabetes, obesity, chronic heart failure, myocardial dysfunction, higher severity scores, and procalcitonine were independently associated with the development of AKI. In AKI I and II patients the need for CRRT was 12.6% (217/1710). In these patients, APACHE II, need for mechanical ventilation in the first 24 h after ICU admission and myocardial dysfunction were associated with risk of needing CRRT. AKI I and II patients had a high ICU mortality (38.5%), especially if CRRT were required (64.1% vs. 34,8%; p < 0.001). CONCLUSIONS: Critically ill patients with SARS-CoV-2 pneumonia and AKI have a high ICU mortality. Even AKI I and II stages are associated with high risk of needing CRRT and ICU mortality.

Asociación entre Glucemia inestable, tiempo de estancia y mortalidad de pacientes en estado críticos: Estudio de cohorte / Associação Entre Glicemia Instável, Tempo de Permanência e Mortalidade de Pacientes Críticos: Estudo de Coorte / Relationships between unstable Glycemia, Hospital Length Of Stay, and mortality In Critically Ill patients: A cohort study

Resumen Introducción: El control y la evaluación de los niveles glucémicos de pacientes en estado críticos es un desafío y una competencia del equipo de enfermería. Por lo que, determinar las consecuencias de esta durante la hospitalización es clave para evidenciar la importancia del oportuno manejo. Objetivo: Determinar la asociación entre la glucemia inestable (hiperglucemia e hipoglucemia), el resultado de la hospitalización y la duración de la estancia de los pacientes en una unidad de cuidados intensivos. Metodología: Estudio de cohorte prospectivo realizado con 62 pacientes a conveniencia en estado crítico entre marzo y julio de 2017. Se recogieron muestras diarias de sangre para medir la glucemia. Se evaluó la asociación de la glucemia inestable con la duración de la estancia y el resultado de la hospitalización mediante ji al cuadrado de Pearson. El valor de p<0.05 fue considerado significativo. Resultados: De las 62 personas participantes, 50 % eran hombres y 50 % mujeres. La edad media fue de 63.3 años (±21.4 años). La incidencia de glucemia inestable fue del 45.2 % y se asoció con una mayor duración de la estancia en la UCI (p<0.001) y una progresión a la muerte como resultado de la hospitalización (p=0.03). Conclusión: Entre quienes participaron, la glucemia inestable se asoció con una mayor duración de la estancia más prolongada y con progresión hacia la muerte, lo que refuerza la importancia de la actuación de enfermería para prevenir su aparición.

Resumo Introdução: O controle e avaliação dos níveis glicêmicos em pacientes críticos é um desafio e uma competência da equipe de enfermagem. Portanto, determinar as consequências da glicemia instável durante a hospitalização é chave para evidenciar a importância da gestão oportuna. Objetivo: Determinar a associação entre glicemia instável (hiperglicemia e hipoglicemia), os desfechos hospitalares e o tempo de permanência dos pacientes em uma unidade de terapia intensiva. Métodos: Um estudo de coorte prospectivo realizado com 62 pacientes a conveniência em estado crítico entre março e julho de 2017. Foram coletadas amostras diariamente de sangue para medir a glicemia. A associação entre a glicemia instável com o tempo de permanência e o desfecho da hospitalização foi avaliada pelo teste qui-quadrado de Pearson. O valor de p <0,05 foi considerado significativo. Resultados: Das 62 pessoas participantes, 50% eram homens e 50% mulheres. A idade média foi de 63,3 anos (±21,4 anos). A incidência de glicemia instável foi de 45,2% e se associou a um tempo de permanência mais prolongado na UTI (p <0,001) e uma progressão para óbito como desfecho da hospitalização (p = 0,03). Conclusão: Entre os participantes, a glicemia instável se associou a um tempo mais longo de permanência e com progressão para óbito, enfatizando a importância da actuação da equipe de enfermagem para prevenir sua ocorrência.

Abstract Introduction: The control and evaluation of glycemic levels in critically ill patients is a challenge and a responsibility of the nursing team; therefore, determining the consequences of this during hospitalization is key to demonstrate the importance of timely management. Objective: To determine the relationship between unstable glycemia (hyperglycemia and hypoglycemia), hospital length of stay, and the hospitalization outcome of patients in an Intensive Care Unit (ICU). Methods: A prospective cohort study conducted with 62 critically ill patients by convenience sampling between March and July 2017. Daily blood samples were collected to measure glycemia. The correlation of unstable glycemia with the hospital length of stay and the hospitalization outcome was assessed using Pearson's chi-square. A p-value <0.05 was considered significant. Results: Among the 62 patients, 50% were male and 50% were female. The mean age was 63.3 years (±21.4 years). The incidence of unstable glycemia was 45.2% and was associated with a longer ICU stay (p<0.001) and a progression to death as a hospitalization outcome (p=0.03). Conclusion: Among critically ill patients, unstable glycemia was associated with an extended hospital length of stay and a progression to death, emphasizing the importance of nursing intervention to prevent its occurrence.

Cultura de segurança em unidades de terapia intensiva na perspectiva da equipe multiprofissional: Estudo multicêntrico / Cultura de seguridad en unidades de terapia intensiva en la perspectiva del equipo multiprofesional: Estudio multicéntrico / Safety Culture in intensive care units from multiprofessional team perspective: A multicenter study

Resumo Introdução: A Cultura de Segurança do Paciente é considerada um importante componente estrutural dos serviços, que favorece a implantação de práticas seguras e a diminuição da ocorrência de eventos adversos. Objetivo: Identificar os fatores associados à cultura de segurança do paciente nas unidades de terapia intensiva adulto em hospitais de grande porte da região Sudeste do Brasil. Método: Estudo transversal do tipo survey e multicêntrico. Participaram 168 profissionais de saúde de quatro unidades (A, B, C e D) de terapia intensiva adulto. Foi utilizado o questionário "Hospital Survey on Patient Safety Culture". Considerou-se como variável dependente o nível de cultura de segurança do paciente e variáveis independentes aspectos sociodemográficos e laborais. Foram usadas estatísticas descritivas e para a análise dos fatores associados foi elaborado um modelo de regressão logística múltipla. Resultados: Identificou-se associação entre tipo de hospital com onze dimensões da cultura de segurança, quanto à função a categoria profissional médico, técnico de enfermagem e enfermeiro foram relacionadas com três dimensões; o gênero com duas dimensões e tempo de atuação no setor com uma dimensão. Conclusão: Evidenciou-se que o tipo de hospital, categoria profissional, tempo de atuação no setor e gênero foram associados às dimensões de cultura de segurança do paciente.

Resumen Introducción: La cultura de seguridad del paciente se considera un componente estructural importante de los servicios, que favorece la aplicación de prácticas seguras y la reducción de la aparición de acontecimientos adversos. Objetivo: Identificar los factores asociados a la cultura de seguridad del paciente en unidades de terapia intensiva adulto en hospitales de la región Sudeste del Brasil. Metodología: Estudio transversal de tipo encuesta y multicéntrico. Participaron 168 profesionales de salud de cuatro unidades (A, B, C y D) de terapia intensiva adulto. Se utilizó el cuestionario "Hospital Survey on Patient Safety Culture". Se consideró como variable dependiente el nivel de cultura de seguridad del paciente y variables independientes los aspectos sociodemográficos y laborales. Fueron usadas estadísticas descriptivas y, para analizar los factores asociados, fue elaborado un modelo de regresión logística múltiple. Resultados: Se identificó asociación entre tipo de hospital con once dimensiones de cultura de seguridad del paciente. En relación a la función, personal médico, técnicos de enfermería y personal de enfermería fueron asociados con tres dimensiones, el género con dos dimensiones y tiempo de actuación con una dimensión en el modelo de regresión. Conclusión: Se evidenció que el tipo de hospital, función, tiempo de actuación en el sector y género fueron asociados a las dimensiones de la cultura de seguridad del paciente.

Abstract Introduction: Patient safety culture is considered an important structural component of the services, which promotes the implementation of safe practices and the reduction of adverse events. Objective: To identify the factors associated with patient safety culture in adult intensive care units in large hospitals in Belo Horizonte. Method: Cross-sectional survey and multicenter study. A total of 168 health professionals from four units (A, B, C and D) of adult intensive care participated. The questionnaire "Hospital Survey on Patient Safety Culture" was used. The patient's level of safety culture was considered as a dependent variable, and sociodemographic and labor aspects were the independent variables. Descriptive statistics were used and a multiple logistic regression model was developed to analyze the associated factors. Results: An association was identified between the type of hospital and eleven dimensions of the safety culture. In terms of function, the doctors, nursing technicians, and nurse were related to three dimensions; gender with two dimensions, and time working in the sector with one dimension. Conclusion: It was evidenced that the type of hospital, function, time working in the sector, and gender were associated with the dimensions of patient safety culture.

Estrategias de destete y desmonte de cánula nasal de alto flujo en adultos / Adult High-Flow Nasal Cannula Weaning and Disassembly Strategies

Introducción: La cánula nasal de alto flujo es un sistema que utiliza una mezcla de aire-oxígeno humidificado y calentado con un caudal de hasta 70 litros por minuto. Es utilizada mayoritariamente en la insuficiencia respiratoria aguda de origen hipoxémico, donde ha demostrado brindar mayor comodidad y poder resolutivo de la hipoxemia, en comparación con la oxigenoterapia convencional. Aunque se conocen sus indicaciones y estrategia de seguimiento, en la práctica clínica no es claro su proceso de destete/desmonte. Objetivo: Identificar en la bibliografía la literatura existente acerca de estrategias de destete/desmonte de la cánula nasal de alto flujo en adultos. Métodos: Se realizó una revisión bibliográfica en las bases de datos del portal regional de la BVS, PubMed, Web Of Science, Scopus y Google scholar, sin límite de tiempo y es- tructurando una ecuación PIO con palabras clave y operadores booleanos. Se asumieron artículos publicados en inglés y español, texto completo. Resultados: En la bibliografía, aún se reporta discrepancia en el proceso de destete y desmonte de la cánula nasal de alto flujo, pero en la mayoría de los estudios encontrados en esta revisión se propone disminuir la FiO2 primero de forma gradual (5-10%) hasta valores de 30-50% y, posteriormente, el flujo. Para desmontarla, se podría considerar tener una FiO2 entre 30-50%, flujo entre 20-30 litros por minuto, SaO2 >92%, con adecuada mecánica respiratoria y estado de conciencia. Conclusión: Aún no existe unanimidad en el proceso de destete/desmonte en la cánula nasal de alto flujo en el paciente adulto.

Introduction: The high-flow nasal cannula is a system that uses a humidified and heated air-oxygen mixture with a flow rate of up to 70 liters per minute. It is mostly used in acute respiratory failure of hypoxemic origin, where it has been shown to provide greater comfort and resolving power of hypoxemia, compared to conventional oxygen therapy. Although its indications and follow-up strategy are known, in clinical practice the weaning/weaning process is not clear. Objective: To identify in the bibliography the existing literature on weaning/ weaning strategies of high-flow nasal cannula in adults. Methods: A bibliographic review was carried out in the databases of the regional portal of the BVS, PubMed, Web Of Science, Scopus and Google scholar, without time limit and structuring a PIO equation with keywords and boléan connectors. Articles published in English and Spanish, full text, were assumed. Results: The literature still reports discrepancy in the process of weaning and disassembling the high-flow nasal cannula, but most of the studies found in this review propose to decrease the FiO2 first gradually (5-10%) to values of 30-50% and then the flow. To dismantle it, one could consider having a FiO2 between 30-50%, flow between 20-30 liters per minute, SaO2 >92%, with adequate respiratory mechanics and state of consciousness. Conclusion: There is still no unanimity on the weaning/weaning process in the high- flow nasal cannula in the adult patient.

Interprofessional interventions and factors that improve end-of-life care in intensive care units: An integratory review.

INTRODUCTION: The changes in health dynamics, caused by the SARS-COVD-2 pandemic and its consequences, generated a greater need to integrate palliative care in the ICU to promote a dignified death. OBJECTIVE: Identify interprofessional interventions and factors that improve the care of patients at the end of life. METHODOLOGY: Integrative review, including experimental, quasi-experimental, observational, analytical, and descriptive studies with correlation of variables, published from 2010 to 2021, identified in COCHRANE, CINAHL, CUIDEN, LILACS, SCIELO, Dialnet, PsychInfo, PubMed, PROQUES, PSYCHOLOGY, JOURNALS, SCIENCEDIRECT, with MeSH/DECS terms: "Critical Care", "IntensiveCare" "Life support care", "Palliative care", "Life Quality", "Right to die". 36,271 were identified, after excluding duplicate title, abstract, year of publication, design, theme, methodological quality, objectives, and content, 31 studies were found. RESULTS: It included 31 articles, 16.7% experimental, 3.3% quasi-experimental, 80% observational, analytical, and descriptive with correlation of variables, 38% published in the United States, 38%, and 19% in Brazil. The pooled sample was 24,779 participants. 32.2% of the studies had level of evidence 1 recommendation (c), and 25.8% level of evidence 2 recommendation (c). This paper synthesises evidence to promote Interprofessional Collaborative Practice in the ICU, improve end-of-life care, and interventions to achieve established therapeutic goals, implement effective care policies, plans, and programmes for critically ill patients and their families; factors that affect palliative care and improve with training and continuing education for health personnel. CONCLUSION: There are interventions to manage physical and emotional symptoms, training strategies and emotional support aimed at health personnel and family members to improve the quality of death and reduce stays in the ICU. The interdisciplinary team requires training on palliative and end-of-life care to improve care.

Occurrence, co-occurrence and persistence of symptoms of depression and post-traumatic stress disorder in survivors of COVID-19 critical illness.

Background: Intensive care unit (ICU) admission and invasive mechanical ventilation (IMV) are associated with psychological distress and trauma. The COVID-19 pandemic brought with it a series of additional long-lasting stressful and traumatic experiences. However, little is known about comorbid depression and post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD).Objective: To examine the occurrence, co-occurrence, and persistence of clinically significant symptoms of depression and PTSD, and their predictive factors, in COVID-19 critical illness survivors.Method: Single-centre prospective observational study in adult survivors of COVID-19 with ≥24 h of ICU admission. Patients were assessed one and 12 months after ICU discharge using the depression subscale of the Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale and the Davidson Trauma Scale. Differences in isolated and comorbid symptoms of depression and PTSD between patients with and without IMV and predictors of the occurrence and persistence of symptoms of these mental disorders were analysed.Results: Eighty-nine patients (42 with IMV) completed the 1-month follow-up and 71 (34 with IMV) completed the 12-month follow-up. One month after discharge, 29.2% of patients had symptoms of depression and 36% had symptoms of PTSD; after one year, the respective figures were 32.4% and 31%. Coexistence of depressive and PTSD symptoms accounted for approximately half of all symptomatic cases. Isolated PTSD symptoms were more frequent in patients with IMV (p≤.014). The need for IMV was associated with the occurrence at one month (OR = 6.098, p = .005) and persistence at 12 months (OR = 3.271, p = .030) of symptoms of either of these two mental disorders.Conclusions: Comorbid depressive and PTSD symptoms were highly frequent in our cohort of COVID-19 critical illness survivors. The need for IMV predicted short-term occurrence and long-term persistence of symptoms of these mental disorders, especially PTSD symptoms. The specific role of dyspnea in the association between IMV and post-ICU mental disorders deserves further investigation.Trial registration: ClinicalTrials.gov identifier: NCT04422444.

Clinically significant depressive and post-traumatic stress disorder symptoms in survivors of COVID-19 critical illness, especially in patients who had undergone invasive mechanical ventilation, were highly frequent, occurred soon after discharge, and persisted over the long term.

Intensity of Interprofessional Collaboration and related factors in Intensive Care Units. A descriptive cross-sectional study with an analytical approach.

OBJECTIVE: To determine the Intensity of Collaboration between the intensive care professionals of a third level hospital. METHOD: Descriptive cross-sectional study with an analytical approach. SETTING: 6 intensive care units of a third level hospital. SAMPLE: nurses and doctors. Consecutive type non-probabilistic sampling. DATA COLLECTION: sociodemographic, economic, motivation and professional satisfaction variables, and the intensity of collaboration using the "Scale of Intensity of Interprofessional Collaboration in Health." RESULTS: A total of 102 health professionals (91 nurses and 11 doctors) were included. The mean overall Intensity of Collaboration (IoC) was moderate. Men showed higher scores in all factors (p<.05). The IoC global score was higher in the group of professionals with ≤10 years of experience (p=.043) and those who were highly satisfied with the profession (p=.037). Physicians presented higher scores in the global IdC (p=.037) and in the Collaboration mean (p=.020) independently in the multivariate models. A negative linear relationship (rho: -0,202, p=.042) was observed between age and the overall IoC score. Professionals aged ≤30years reported a higher perception of Shared Activities (p=.031). Negative linear relationships were observed between years of experience and total IoC score (rho: -0,202, p=.042) and patients' Perception score (rho: -0.241, p=0.015). The research activity also showed to be a variable related to a greater degree of Collaboration at a global level and in some of the factors (p<.05). The scale of IoC obtained a Cronbach's α of 0,9. CONCLUSIONS: The intensity of interprofessional collaboration in ICUs is moderate. Professionals with experience of ≤10 years, a higher level of satisfaction and participation in research activities show a greater intensity of collaboration. Doctors perceive collaboration more intensely than nurses. All factors contribute equally to the internal consistency of the questionnaire.

A Nationwide Online Tracking System of pediatric ICU demand and capacity during a respiratory epidemic in Uruguay / Desarrollo de un Sistema Nacional de Monitoreo En Línea de Capacidad y Demanda de las Unidades de Cuidados Intensivos Pediátricas Durante Una Epidemia Respiratoria

Monitoring national capacity of pediatric intensive care (PICU) beds is important for resource allocation. We describe the development and application of an online tool for bed occupancy monitoring during the respiratory epidemic of 2023 in Uruguay. A 5-minute survey was sent out daily to each PICU designated staff utilizing an instant messaging application, throughout the 12-week of 2023 winter season. The survey gathered information on staffed bed capacity, occupancy rates, invasive mechanical ventilation (IMV) demand and number of children admitted for lower respiratory tract infections (LRTIs). Data was manually entered using the REDcap Software platform. A comparison between PICUs from the capital city Montevideo (MVD) and the inland region (INN) was performed. Participating PICUs had access to a daily dashboard with nationwide data. We collected data from 100% (n=20) of Uruguayan PICUs, 68% in MVD (2.72 PICU beds per-10,000 <18 years) and 32% in the INN (0.86 PICU beds per-10,000 <18 years). National average bed occupancy rate was 55.5%, without differences between MVD and INN. However, LRTI admissions and IMV incidence were notably higher among INN PICUs compared with MVD PICUs, 83.0% vs. 71% (P<0.01) and 19.9% vs. 14.7% (P<0.01) respectively. During one week occupancy exceeded 80% without differences between MVD and INN. The implementation of a nationwide PICU bed monitoring tool was possible. Although occupancy rates did not reach critical levels at a national grade, regional differences were found that merit further study to improve vital PICUs resource allocation.

Monitorear la capacidad nacional de camas de cuidados intensivos pediátricos (UCIP) es importante para la asignación de recursos. Describimos el desarrollo y aplicación de una herramienta online para el seguimiento de la ocupación de camas durante la epidemia respiratoria de 2023 en Uruguay. Se envió diariamente una encuesta de 5 minutos a cada personal designado de la UCIP mediante una aplicación de mensajería instantánea, durante las 12 semanas de la temporada de invierno de 2023. La encuesta recopiló información sobre la capacidad de camas con personal, las tasas de ocupación, la demanda de ventilación mecánica invasiva (IMV) y el número de niños admitidos por infecciones del tracto respiratorio inferior (LRTI). Los datos se ingresaron manualmente utilizando la plataforma del software REDcap. Se realizó una comparación entre UCIP de la capital Montevideo (MVD) y del interior (INN). Las UCIP participantes tuvieron acceso a un panel diario con datos a nivel nacional. Se recolectaron datos del 100% (n=20) de las UCIP uruguayas, el 68% en MVD (2,72 camas UCIP por 10.000 <18 años) y el 32% en el INN (0,86 camas UCIP por 10.000 <18 años). La tasa de ocupación de camas promedio nacional fue del 55,5%, sin diferencias entre MVD e INN. Sin embargo, los ingresos por LRTI y la incidencia de IMV fueron notablemente mayores entre las UCIP INN en comparación con las UCIP MVD, 83,0% frente a 71% (P<0,01) y 19,9% frente a 14,7% (P<0,01), respectivamente. Durante una semana la ocupación superó el 80% sin diferencias entre MVD y INN. Fue posible implementar una herramienta de monitoreo de camas UCIP a nivel nacional. Aunque las tasas de ocupación no alcanzaron niveles críticos a nivel nacional, se encontraron diferencias regionales que merecen más estudios para mejorar la asignación de recursos vitales de las UCIP.

National record and analysis of pharmaceutical interventions in critical care units: PHARMACRITIC study. / Registro nacional y análisis de intervenciones farmacéuticas en unidades de cuidados críticos: estudio FARMACRITIC.

OBJECTIVE: To design a homogeneous methodology for the registration and analysis of pharmaceutical interventions performed in Spanish critical adults' care units. METHOD: Observational, prospective and multicenter study. In the first stage, a national registry of pharmaceutical interventions will be agreed upon and subsequently all the pharmaceutical interventions performed on adult patients admitted to Spanish CCUs during eight weeks will be recorded. Variables related to the type of CCU, the drug involved in the intervention, type of intervention (indication, effectiveness, safety), recommendation made by the pharmacist and the degree of acceptance will be evaluated. Risk and incidence will be calculated for each of the medication errors detected. The χ2-squared test or Fisher exact test will be used for categorical variables and Mann-Whitney U or Kruskal-Wallis test for continuous variables. All tests will be performed with a significance level α = 0.05 and confidence intervals with confidence 1- α. DISCUSSION: The results obtained from this project will make it possible to obtain a homogeneous classification of the pharmaceutical interventions performed in CCU, a national record and an evaluation of the weak points with the aim of developing strategies for improvement in the pharmaceutical care of the critically ill patient.

Incidence of venous thromboembolic disease and risk of bleeding in critically ill patients with hematologic malignancies: A retrospective study.

OBJECTIVE: Our objectives were to describe the use of thromboprophylaxis and the incidence of VTE/bleeding in critically ill patients with hematologic malignancies (HM). DESIGN: Retrospective cohort study (2014-2022). SETTING: Medic-Surgical Intensive Care Unit (ICU) in a tertiary care academic center. PATIENTS: Adult patients admitted to ICU with a concomitant diagnosis of a hematological malignancy. INTERVENTIONS: None. MAIN VARIABLES OF INTEREST: We analyzed demographic data, use of thromboprophylaxis and secondary outcomes that included incidence of VTE (venous thromboembolism), bleeding, mortality, severity scores and organ support. We applied a multivariable logistic regression model to examine the risk of thrombosis in the ICU. RESULTS: We included 862 ICU admissions (813 unique patients). Thromboprophylaxis was given during 65% of admissions (LMWH 14%, UFH 8%, and SCDs 43%); in 21% it was contraindicated due to thrombocytopenia; 14% of cases lacked documentation on prophylaxis. There were 38 unique incident cases of VTE (27 DVT, 11 PE), constituting 4.4% of ICU episodes. Most of VTE cases happened in patients with various degrees of thrombocytopenia. In the multivariable analysis, SOFA score on the first ICU day was independently associated (OR 0.85, 95% CI 0.76-0.96) with the risk of VTE. Bleeding occurred in 7.2% (minor) and 14.4% (major) of episodes; most frequent sites being CNS, abdomen/GI and pulmonary. CONCLUSIONS: In this cohort of critically ill patients with HM, there was considerable variability in the utilization of DVT prophylaxis, with predominant use of SCDs. The incidence of VTE was 4.4% and major bleeding 14%. CLINICAL TRIAL REGISTRATION: NCT05396157. Venous Thromboembolism in Hematologic Malignancy and Hematopoietic Cell Transplant Patients: a Retrospective Study (https://clinicaltrials.gov/).

Clinical utility of rapid shallow breathing index in predicting successful weaning: secondary analysis of the COBRE-US trial.

OBJECTIVE: To assess the predictive capacity of the Rapid Shallow Breathing Index (RSBI) for success in spontaneous breathing trials (SBT) and extubation in critically ill patients. We evaluated the association between RSBI, duration of mechanical ventilation, and ventilator-free time at 28 days. DESIGN: Prospective multicenter observational study. Secondary analysis of the COBRE-US study. SETTING: Intensive care unit (ICU). PATIENTS OR PARTICIPANTS: 367 patients in the ICU receiving invasive mechanical ventilation. INTERVENTIONS: Assessment of RSBI at the end of SBT. MAIN VARIABLES OF INTEREST: RSBI, SBT, duration of mechanical ventilation, and ventilator-free time at 28 days were evaluated. RESULTS: 367 patients in the ICU under invasive mechanical ventilation were evaluated, of whom 59.7% were male with a median age of 61 years (IQR: 49-72). A total of 456 SBT were conducted with a success rate of 76.5%. RSBI had a ROC-curve of 0.53 for SBT success and a ROC-curve of 0.48 for extubation. The Spearman correlation coefficient between RSBI and duration of ventilation was 0.117 (p = 0.026), while for ventilator-free time at 28 days, it was -0.116 (p = 0.028). CONCLUSIONS: RSBI was not associated with success in SBT or extubation, regardless of the cutoff point used. Correlation analyses showed weak associations between RSBI and both the duration of ventilation and ventilator-free time at 28 days.

Mobilidade à alta da UCI e sua relação com tempo de internamento e mortalidade hospitalar / Mobilidade à alta da UCI e sua relação com tempo de internamento e mortalidade hospitalar

O internamento em cuidados intensivos pode acompanhar-se de importantes efeitos adversos para utentes, que se prolongam além da estadia na unidade. A mobilização precoce faz parte de um conjunto de intervenções que procuram minimizar esses efeitos e é hoje unanimemente considerada como segura e benéfica. Importa então perceber em que medida está a ser implementada na prática e quais os seus reais benefícios. Objetivos: Caraterizar a mobilização dos doentes no Serviço de Medicina Intensiva da Unidade Local de Saúde de Castelo Branco; correlacionar o nível de mobilidade à alta da UCI com os desfechos pós-cuidados intensivos, nomeadamente: tempo de internamento pós-cuidados intensivos e mortalidade hospitalar. Métodos: Estudo do tipo observacional, retrospetivo, realizado no serviço de Medicina Intensiva da Unidade Local de Saúde de Castelo Branco, com base na metodologia quantitativa de investigação. Resultados: Dos 244 utentes analisados, 54,5% atingiram o ortostatismo no decorrer do internamento e 36,5% conseguiram a deambulação. O tempo de internamento entre a saída da UCI e a alta hospitalar foi em média de 8,0 ± 7,5 dias. Os utentes que, à alta, permaneciam em repouso no leito tiveram internamentos superiores a doentes em deambulação (p = 0,014); e doentes que realizavam atividades no leito tiveram também tempos de internamento superiores aos que faziam ortostatismo ou deambulação (p = 0,026 e 0,002 respetivamente). A mortalidade pós-UCI foi de 5,7%, verificando-se uma forte relação com a mobilidade na alta da UCI (p < 0,001), com os utentes com menor mobilidade a apresentarem mortalidade superior ao esperado. Conclusão: Os níveis de mobilidade encontrados neste trabalho estão em linha com a realidade internacional. Doentes que, durante a estadia nos cuidados intensivos, alcançam níveis mais elevados de mobilidade têm internamentos mais curtos e menor mortalidade.

Admission to intensive care can be accompanied by significant adverse effects for patients, which last beyond their stay in the unit. Early mobilization is part of a set of a bundle to minimize these effects and is now unanimously considered to be safe and beneficial. It is therefore important to understand how it is being implemented in practice and what its real benefits are. Aim: To characterize the mobilization of patients in the Intensive Care Unit of the Local Health Unit of Castelo Branco; to correlate the level of mobility at discharge from the ICU with post-intensive care outcomes, namely: length of stay after intensive care and hospital mortality. Methods:. This was an observational, retrospective study carried out in the Intensive Care Medicine department of the Castelo Branco Local Health Unit, based on quantitative research methodology. Results: Of the 244 patients analysed, 54.5% achieved orthostatism during hospitalization and 36.5% achieved deambulation. The average length of stay between leaving the ICU and hospital discharge was 8.0 ± 7.5 days. Patients who remained at bed rest at discharge had longer hospital stays than patients who were ambulating (p = 0.014); and patients who performed activities in bed also had longer hospital stays than those who were orthostatic or ambulating (p = 0.026 and 0.002 respectively). Post-ICU mortality was 5.7%, and there was a strong correlation with mobility on discharge from the ICU (p < 0.001), with less mobile patients having a higher mortality rate than expected. Conclusion:. The mobility levels founded in this study are in line with international reality. Patients who achieve higher levels of mobility during their stay in intensive care have shorter hospital stays and lower mortality.

Prediction of adverse drug reactions in geriatric patients admitted to intensive care units.

INTRODUCTION: Intensive care units (ICUs) pose challenges in managing critically ill patients with polypharmacy, potentially leading to adverse drug reactions (ADRs), particularly in the elderly. OBJECTIVE: To evaluate whether the severity and clinical prognosis scores used in ICUs correlate with the prediction of ADRs in aged patients admitted to an ICU. METHODS: A cohort study was conducted in a Brazilian University Hospital ICU. APACHE II and SAPS 3 assessed clinical prognosis, while GerontoNet ADR Risk Score and BADRI evaluated ADR risk at ICU admission. Severity of the patients' clinical conditions was evaluated daily based on the SOFA score. ADR screening was performed daily through the identification of ADR triggers. RESULTS: 1295 triggers were identified (median 30 per patient, IQR=28), with 15 suspected ADRs. No correlation was observed between patient severity and ADRs at admission (p=0.26), during hospitalization (p=0.91), or at follow-up (p=0.77). There was also no association between death and ADRs (p=0.28) or worse prognosis and ADRs (p>0.05). Higher BADRI scores correlated with more ADRs (p=0.001). CONCLUSIONS: These data suggest that employing the severity and clinical prognosis scores used in ICUs is not sufficient to direct active pharmacovigilance efforts, which are therefore indicated for critically ill patients.

Postintensive care syndrome in patients and family members. Analysis of COVID-19 and non-COVID-19 cohorts, with face-to-face follow-up at three months and one year.

OBJECTIVE: Compare prevalence and profile of post-intensive care patient (P-PICS) and family/caregiver (F-PICS) syndrome in two cohorts (COVID and non-COVID) and analyse risk factors for P-PICS. DESIGN: Prospective, observational cohort (March 2018-2023), follow-up at three months and one year. SETTING: 14-bed polyvalent Intensive Care Unit (ICU), Level II Hospital. PATIENTS OR PARTICIPANTS: 265 patients and 209 relatives. Inclusion criteria patients: age > 18 years, mechanical ventilation > 48 h, ICU stay > 5 days, delirium, septic shock, acute respiratory distress syndrome, cardiac arrest. Inclusion criteria family: those who attended. INTERVENTIONS: Follow-up 3 months and 1 year after hospital discharge. MAIN VARIABLES OF INTEREST: Patients: sociodemographic, clinical, evolutive, physical, psychological and cognitive alterations, dependency degree and quality of life. Main caregivers: mental state and physical overload. RESULTS: 64.9% PICS-P, no differences between groups. COVID patients more physical alterations than non-COVID (P = .028). These more functional deterioration (P = .005), poorer quality of life (P = .003), higher nutritional alterations (P = .004) and cognitive deterioration (P < .001). 19.1% PICS-F, more frequent in relatives of non-COVID patients (17.6% vs. 5.5%; P = .013). Independent predictors of PICS-P: first years of the study (OR: 0.484), higher comorbidity (OR: 1.158), delirium (OR: 2.935), several reasons for being included (OR: 3.171) and midazolam (OR: 4.265). CONCLUSIONS: Prevalence PICS-P and PICS-F between both cohorts was similar. Main factors associated with the development of SPCI-P were: higher comorbidity, delirium, midazolan, inclusion for more than one reason and during the first years.

Bronchodilator administration by pressurized inhaler during invasive mechanical ventilation in adults: A scoping review.

OBJECTIVE: To identify the administration characteristics and connection methods of bronchodilators by pressurized inhalers to the ventilatory circuit of patients under invasive mechanical ventilation. METHODS: A scope review was conducted following the PRISMA for Scoping Review, using the PubMed, Embase Elsevier, Cochrane Library, and Lilacs databases without language restrictions, up to July 2023. Eligible sources included reviews and consensuses (based on clinical studies), experimental and observational studies involving adult patients admitted to the intensive care unit and undergoing invasive mechanical ventilation, regardless of the underlying condition, who used bronchodilator drugs contained in pressurized inhalers. Information regarding inhalation technique, pressurized inhalers connection mode to the circuit, and patient care were collected by 2 researchers independently, with discrepancies resolved by a third reviewer. Studies involving bronchodilators combined with other pharmacological classes in the same device, as well as reviews containing preclinical studies, were excluded. RESULTS: In total, 23 publications were included, comprising 19 clinical trials and 4 non-randomized experimental studies. Salbutamol (albuterol) was the bronchodilator of study in the majority of the articles (n=18), and the spacer device was the most commonly used to connect the pressurized inhaler to the circuit (n=15), followed by an in-line adapter (n=3), and a direct-acting device without chamber (n=3). Concerning the pressurized inhaler placement in the circuit, 18 studies positioned it in the inspiratory limb, and 19 studies synchronized the jet actuation with the start of the inspiratory phase. Agitation of the pressurized inhaler before each actuation, waiting time between actuations, airway suction before administration, and semi-recumbent patient positioning were the most commonly described measures across the studies. CONCLUSIONS: This review provided insights into the aspects related to inhalation technique in mechanically ventilated patients, as well as the most prevalent findings and the existing gaps in knowledge regarding bronchodilator administration in this context. The evidence indicates the need for further research on this subject.