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.

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.

Critical pregnancy at altitude: A look at Latin America.

Critical pregnancy at high altitudes increases morbidity and mortality from 2500 m above sea level. In addition to altitude, there are other influential factors such as social inequalities, cultural, prehospital barriers, and lack the appropriate development of healthcare infrastructure. The most frequent causes of critical pregnancy leading to admission to Intensive Care Units are pregnancy hypertensive disorders (native residents seem to be more protected), hemorrhages and infection/sepsis. In Latin America, there are 32 Intensive Care Units above 2500 m above sea level. Arterial blood gases at altitude are affected by changes in barometric pressure. The analysis of their values provides very useful information for the management of obstetric emergencies at very high altitude, especially respiratory and metabolic pathologies.

The advancement of critical care nursing as a response to the current demands.

The current demand on health services requires that nurses play a key role, by adapting their competencies to different fields and complexity levels. The approach of situations presented by critically ill patients underpins the need for development of specialised competencies in specific areas such as patient safety, prevention and control of healthcare-associated infections, performance of specific techniques and interventions, autonomous medication management or the use of technology, among others. Spain relies on a specialist training programme that is unique worldwide. Training admission is managed through a contract as a "Resident Nurse Intern" (EIR, Enfermera Interna Residente), provided by regional healthcare services. Only 6 specialities have been established and developed, in an uneven manner and with a short provision of places, annually. Given that the specialization in critical care nursing does not exist, nurses usually self-fund their postgraduate training to enhance their opportunities career development. The development of a speciality for critical care nursing is a priority. The models proposed advocate for creating nursing roles that could cover the systemic gaps through the expansion of their competencies and the introduction of procedures that fit nursing into advanced practice, which could be achieved through Advanced Accreditation Diplomas. Simultaneously, it would be convenient to analyse how and why such a dynamic discipline in some countries became stuck in anachronistic models of the Spanish healthcare system. This analysis might contribute to move forward on the development of areas of improvement in terms of service access and quality of care.

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.

Designing and implementing an Advanced Nurse Practice in Critical Care programme from a university perspective within Northern Ireland.

The number of advanced practice roles in healthcare is increasing in response to several factors such as changes in medical education, economic pressures, workforce shortages and the increasing complexity of health needs of the population. The Advanced Critical Care Practitioner Curriculum, developed by the Faculty of Intensive Care Medicine in the UK (United Kingdom), enables the development and delivery of a structured education programme which can contribute to addressing these challenges. This article outlines how one university designed and implemented this programme, the first of its kind in Northern Ireland.

Current perspectives on the use of artificial intelligence in critical patient safety.

Intensive Care Units (ICUs) have undergone enhancements in patient safety, and artificial intelligence (AI) emerges as a disruptive technology offering novel opportunities. While the published evidence is limited and presents methodological issues, certain areas show promise, such as decision support systems, detection of adverse events, and prescription error identification. The application of AI in safety may pursue predictive or diagnostic objectives. Implementing AI-based systems necessitates procedures to ensure secure assistance, addressing challenges including trust in such systems, biases, data quality, scalability, and ethical and confidentiality considerations. The development and application of AI demand thorough testing, encompassing retrospective data assessments, real-time validation with prospective cohorts, and efficacy demonstration in clinical trials. Algorithmic transparency and explainability are essential, with active involvement of clinical professionals being crucial in the implementation process.

Absceso hepático en Cali, Colombia / Liver abscess in Cali, Colombia

INTRODUCCIÓN: El absceso hepático (AH) es el tipo mas común de abscesos viscerales. Se estima que el perfil epidemiológico de esta enfermedad ha cambiado con el aumento de la resistencia de los microorganismos y el uso de nuevos medicamentos. OBJETIVO: Describir las características demográficas y clínicas de los pacientes hospitalizados con diagnóstico de AH en un hospital universitario del suroccidente colombiano. MÉTODOS: Se realizó un estudio observacional retrospectivo, en la Fundación Valle del Lili, Cali, Colombia. Se incluyeron pacientes mayores de 18 años con diagnóstico de AH hospitalizados entre 2011-2020. RESULTADOS: Se incluyeron 182 pacientes. La mediana de edad fUe 56 años (rango intercuartílico, 45-67) y 62,1% fueron hombres. El microrganismo mas común fue Klebsiella pneumoniae (17,6%). La mayoría requirió drenaje percutáneo (58,2%). El 58,8% tuvo un absceso único y 54,4% fue manejado en cuidados intensivos. El 7,1% de los pacientes falleció. Al comparar los casos que fueron manejados en cuidados intensivos vs. aquellos que no lo fueron, hubo más hepatomegalia (28,3 vs. 11,0%, p = 0,004), derrame pleural derecho (48,5 vs. 28,1%, p = 0,010), cirugía (42,4 vs. 13,4%, p < 0,001), falla terapéutica (22,2 vs. 7,3%, p = 0,007) y muerte (12,1 vs. 1,2%, p = 0,005) en los atendidos en UCI. CONCLUSIÓN: Las Enterobacterales son la principal causa de AH en nuestra población. La mortalidad ha disminuido, pero la hospitalización en cuidados intensivos sigue siendo alta.

BACKGROUND: Liver abscess (LA) is the most common type of visceral abscess. It is estimated that the epidemiological profile of this disease has changed with the increase in resistance and the use of new drugs. AIM: To describe the demographic and clinical characteristics of hospitalized patients with a diagnosis of LA in a university hospital in the southwestern region of Colombia. METHODS: A. retrospective observational study was conducted at Fundación Valle del Lili, Cali, Colombia. Patients older than 18 years with a diagnosis of LA hospitalized between 2011-2020 were included. RESULTS: A total of 182 patients were included. The median age was 56 years (interquartile range, 45-67) and 62.1% were men. The most common microorganism was Klebsiella pneumoniae (17.6%). The majority required percutaneous drainage (58.2%). A 58.8% had a single abscess and 54.4% were treated in ICU. A 7.1% of the patients died. When comparing cases treated in the ICU vs. those who did not, there was more hepatomegaly (28.3 vs. 11.0%, p = 0.004), right pleural effusion (48.5 vs. 28.1%, p = 0.010), surgery (42.4 vs. 13.4%, p < 0.001), therapeutic failure (22.2 vs. 7.3%, p = 0.007) and death (12.1 vs. 1.2%, p = 0.005) in patients treated in ICU. CONCLUSION: Enterobacterales are the main cause of LA in our population. Mortality has decreased, but intensive care hospitalization remains high.

Pediatric nephrologist-intensivist interaction in acute kidney injury / Interação nefro-intensivista pediátrica na lesão renal aguda

ABSTRACT Introduction: Acute Kidney Injury (AKI) in the Intensive Care Unit (ICU) have concepts of diagnosis and management have water balance as their main point of evaluation. In our ICU, from 2004 to 2012, the nephrologist's participation was on demand only; and as of 2013 their participation became continuous in meetings to case discussion. The aim of this study was to establish how an intense nephrologist/intensivist interaction influenced the frequency of dialysis indication, fluid balance and pRIFLE classification during these two observation periods. Methods: Retrospective study, longitudinal evaluation of all children with AKI undergoing dialysis (2004 to 2016). Parameters studied: frequency of indication, duration and volume of infusion in the 24 hours preceding dialysis; diuresis and water balance every 8 hours. Non-parametric statistics, p ≤ 0.05. Results: 53 patients (47 before and 6 after 2013). There were no significant differences in the number of hospitalizations or cardiac surgeries between the periods. After 2013, there was a significant decrease in the number of indications for dialysis/year (5.85 vs. 1.5; p = 0.000); infusion volume (p = 0.02), increase in the duration of dialysis (p = 0.002) and improvement in the discrimination of the pRIFLE diuresis component in the AKI development. Conclusion: Integration between the ICU and pediatric nephrology teams in the routine discussion of cases, critically approaching water balance, was decisive to improve the management of AKI in the ICU.

RESUMO Introdução: Os conceitos sobre diagnóstico e conduta da Lesão Renal Aguda (LRA) na Unidade de Terapia Intensiva (UTI) tem como ponto primordial a avaliação do balanço hídrico. Em nossa UTI, de 2004 a 2012, a participação do nefrologista era sob demanda. A partir de 2013, a participação passou a ser contínua em reunião de discussão de casos. O objetivo deste estudo foi determinar como a maior interação nefrologista/intensivista influenciou a frequência de indicação de diálise, no balanço hídrico e na classificação pRIFLE durante esses dois períodos de observação. Método: Estudo retrospectivo, avaliação longitudinal de todas as crianças com LRA em diálise (2004 a 2016). Parâmetros estudados: frequência de indicação, tempo de duração e volume de infusão nas 24 horas precedendo a diálise; diurese e balanço hídrico a cada 8 horas. Estatística não paramétrica, p ≤ 0,05. Resultado: 53 pacientes (47 antes e 6 após 2013). Sem diferença significativa no número de internações e nem de cirurgias cardíacas entre os períodos. Após 2013, houve diminuição significativa no número de indicação de diálise/ano (5,85 vs. 1,5; p = 0,000); no volume de infusão (p = 0,02), aumento do tempo de duração da diálise (p = 0,002) e melhora da discriminação do componente diurese do pRIFLE na indicação de LRA. Conclusão: Integração entre equipes de UTI e nefrologia pediátrica na discussão rotineira de casos, abordando criticamente o balanço hídrico, foi determinante para a melhora na conduta da LRA na UTI.

Should videolaryngoscopy be routinely used for airway management? An approach from different scenarios in medical practice

During the past two decades, the videolaryngoscope (VDL) has become a valuable and effective tool for the management of the airway, not just in the realm of anesthesiology, but also in other medical specialties in clinical scenarios requiring tracheal intubation. In countries such as the United States, this represents over 15 million cases in the operating room and 650,000 outside the OR. The overall accumulated incidence of difficult airway is 6.8% events in routine practice and between 0.1 and 0.3 % of failed intubations, both associated with complications such as desaturation, airway injury, hemodynamic instability and death. Notwithstanding the fact that the VDL has proven advantages such as improved visualization of the glottis, higher first attempt success rates, and a shortened learning curve, most of the time its use is limited to rescue attempts or as a secondary option. The aim of this article is to comment the advantages and limitations of the VDL vs. the direct laryngoscope in a wide range of clinical settings, including the operating room, intensive care units, emergency departments, pediatrics, obstetrics, and Covid-19 to consider its routine use.

En las últimas dos décadas, el videolaringoscopio (VDL) se ha convertido en una herramienta valiosa y eficaz para el manejo de la vía aérea no solo en el ámbito de anestesiología, sino en otras especialidades médicas durante escenarios clínicos que requieren la intubación traqueal y las cuales, en países como Estados Unidos corresponden anualmente a más de 15 millones dentro de salas de cirugía y 650.000 fuera de ella. Aproximadamente, hay una incidencia global acumulada de 6,8 % de eventos de vía aérea difícil en la práctica rutinaria y 0,1 al 0,3 % de intubaciones fallidas, ambas asociadas a complicaciones como desaturación, daño en la vía aérea, inestabilidad hemodinámica y muerte. Pese a que el VDL ha demostrado ventajas como mejoría de la visualización de la glotis, aumento de tasa de éxito al primer intento y menor curva de aprendizaje, su uso en la mayoría de las veces se ve limitado como dispositivo de rescate o de manera secundaria. El propósito de este artículo es comentar acerca de las ventajas y limitaciones del VDL vs. el laringoscopio directo en un variado número de escenarios clínicos, como salas de cirugía, unidades de cuidado intensivo, emergenciología, pediatría, obstetricia y covid-19, con el fin de considerar si su uso debiera hacerse de manera rutinaria.

The comfort perception in the critically ill patient from the Kolcaba theoretical model.

BACKGROUND: The stay in a critical care unit (CCU) has a serious impact on physical condition causing numerous discomfort factors such as pain or difficulty in communicating. All of these are associated with possible sequelae following discharge from the Intensive Care Unit (ICU) named post-ICU syndrome. The Kolcaba Comfort Theory allows, from a holistic approach, to identify care needs from the patient's perspective using instruments such as the General Comfort Questionnaire (GCQ). OBJECTIVES: To determine the comfort level of patients admitted to the CCU using the GCQ of Kolcaba and to identify the discomfort factors. METHODS: Cross-sectional descriptive observational prospective study. POPULATION: 580 patients admitted to adult CCU of two high complexity hospitals from June 2015 to March 2020 with stay ≥24 h were interviewed. Descriptive analysis, Student's t-test and ANOVA and multivariate analysis were performed using SPSS v26 and STATA v16. RESULTS: The mean age was 52,62 (16,21), 357 (61,6%) were male and 434 (74,8%) were believers. The type of admission was planned in 322 (55,5%) and the most prevalent reason for admission was surgical 486 (83,8%). The median pain score (NRS) was 3,00 [0-4] and severity score (APACHE II) was 13,26 (5,89), the median length of stay was 4,00 [2-7] days. The mean comfort level was 3,02 (0,31) showing the highest value Reanimation 3.02 (0.30) and the lowest Trauma and Emergency Unit 2.95 (0.38). Statistically significant differences were found between the units in the comfort level of patients >65 years of age (p = 0.029). The Relief comfort type obtained the lowest mean 2.81 (0.33) and the physical context 2.75 (0.41) in the three units. In the multivariate analysis, statistically significant differences were found between the comfort level and the pain level: no pain (p = 0,000) OR 4,361 CI [2,184-8,707], mild pain (p = 0,000) OR 4,007 CI [2,068-7,763], moderate pain (p = 0,007) OR 2,803 CI [1,328-5,913], and the APACHE II score equal to or greater than 10 (p = 0,000) OR 0,472 CI [0,316-0,705]. CONCLUSIONS: The comfort level showed high scores in all three units. The physical and environmental contexts and the relief comfort type negatively affected the perception of comfort. The variables that explained comfort were pain and severity of illness. The evaluation of comfort from the patient's perspective through the GCQ could be considered an indicator of quality of nursing interventions.

Electrical impedance tomography: Usefulness for respiratory physiotherapy in critical illnesses.

Respiratory physiotherapy, including the management of invasive mechanical ventilation (MV) and noninvasive mechanical ventilation (NIV), is a key supportive intervention for critically ill patients. MV has potential for inducing ventilator-induced lung injury (VILI) as well as long-term complications related to prolonged bed rest, such as post-intensive care syndrome and intensive care unit acquired weakness. Physical and respiratory therapy, developed by the critical care team, in a timely manner, has been shown to prevent these complications. In this pathway, real-time bedside monitoring of changes in pulmonary aeration and alveolar gas distribution associated with postural positioning, respiratory physiotherapy techniques and changes in MV strategies can be crucial in guiding these procedures, providing safe therapy and prevention of potential harm to the patient. Along this path, electrical impedance tomography (EIT) has emerged as a new key non-invasive bedside strategy free of radiation, to allow visualization of lung recruitment. This review article presents the main and potential applications of EIT in relation to physiotherapy techniques in the ICU setting.

Seguimiento Funcional hasta Seis Meses después de Sobrevivir a Cuidados Intensivos: Lecciones aprendidas de un Estudio Chileno Multicéntrico / Functional follow-up six months after surviving intensive care: lessons learned from a Chilean multicenter study

Introducción. Las tasas de retención en los estudios de seguimiento oscilan entre el 32 y 100%, demostrando el desafío que implica realizar estudios longitudinales de sobrevivientes de la unidad de cuidados intensivos (UCI). Objetivo. Identificar las estrategias implementadas y lecciones aprendidas en un estudio prospectivo multicéntrico de seguimiento de sobrevivientes de la UCI durante la pandemia. Métodos. Estudio post-hoc de las lecciones aprendidas mediante encuestas y entrevistas dirigidas a explorar la experiencia de los investigadores y coordinadores del estudio IMPACCT COVID-19, realizado en siete centros chilenos entre octubre 2020 y abril 2021 evaluando el síndrome post-cuidados intensivos de sobrevivientes hasta seis meses después. Resultados. Identificamos ocho lecciones: 1) selección de instrumentos de medición, 2) identificación de centros participantes, 3) aprobación del estudio, 4) financiamiento, 5) capacitación de evaluadores, 6) coordinación/aseguramiento de calidad, 7) reclutamiento y 8) seguimiento de pacientes. Incluso durante el primer año de pandemia, reclutamos 252 pacientes a una tasa de 1,4 pacientes/día con una retención del 48% a los 6 meses de seguimiento. El uso de redes académicas existentes y las estrategias de comunicación entre investigadores, coordinadores y evaluadores fueron aspectos positivos; mientras que la fidelización con evaluadores al egreso de la UCI y con pacientes durante el seguimiento son aspectos que deberían considerarse en futuros estudios. Conclusiones. Se evaluaron más de 250 pacientes en seis meses durante la pandemia, con tasas de retención post UCI acorde a la literatura. Futuros estudios debiesen optimizar los procesos de medición y de seguimiento para minimizar la pérdida de pacientes.

Background. Retention rates of follow-up studies range from 32 to 100%, demonstrating the challenge to conduct longitudinal studies of intensive care unit (ICU) survivors. Objective. To identify the strategies implemented and lessons learned in a multicenter prospective follow-up study of ICU survivors during pandemic times. Methods. Post-hoc study of lessons learned through surveys and interviews aimed at exploring the experience of the researchers and coordinators of the IMPACCT COVID-19 study. The original study was performed in seven Chilean sites between October 2020 and April 2021 evaluating the post-intensive care syndrome of survivors up to six-month follow-up. Results. We identified eight lessons: 1) selection of measurement instruments, 2) identification of participating sites, 3) Study approval, 4) funding, 5) evaluators training, 6) coordination/quality assurance, 7) recruitment, and 8) patient follow-up. Even during the first year of the pandemic, we recruited 252 patients at a rate of 1.4 patients/day with a retention rate of 48% at 6 months of follow-up. The use of existing academic networks and communication strategies between researchers, coordinators and evaluators were positive aspects; while evaluators fidelity at ICU discharge and patient engagement during follow-up are aspects should be considered. Conclusions. More than 250 patients were evaluated in six months during the pandemic, with post-ICU retention rates consistent with the literature. Future studies should optimize measurement and monitoring processes to minimize patient atrition.

Estado actual y tendencias en el proceso de formación de enfermeras(os) de cuidados críticos / Current status and trends in the training process of critical care nurses

Introducción: Las Organizaciones Internacionales reconocen que, para las profesiones de la salud, es trascendental el desarrollo de sus especialidades dado que les permite profundizar conocimientos y habilidades para una práctica profesional más cualificada que permita mejorar la calidad de atención.Objetivo: Explorar el estado del arte, aplicación de modelos y teorías de enfermería en unidades de cuidado intensivo y las tendencias en la formación en la formación del especialista en enfermería del paciente en estado crítico. Método: Investigación documental cuyo objeto de estudio fueron 17 artículos de investigaciones relacionadas con el tema, los artículos fueron capturados en bases de datos internacionales Scielo, Elsevier, ScienceDirect, publicados entre los años 2011-2021. Se utilizó como instrumentos de recolección de información una matriz para la selección de investigaciones y la Ficha Analítica de Investigación. El análisis se orientó con base a la evolución del proceso formativo, enfoques teóricos-disciplinares y tendencias y retos de la formación. Resultados: Se encontró artículos provenientes de revisiones documentales y en menor proporción de estudios de investigación cualitativa o cuantitativa. Conclusiones: El estudio permitió reconocer los avances del proceso formativo y la evolución de estrategias de enseñanza aprendizaje propias de modelos educativos tradicionales a otras que estimulan el pensamiento reflexivo y crítico. Es escasa la literatura que da cuenta de la aplicación de modelos y teorías de enfermería en las unidades de cuidado crítico, se encontró perspectivas novedosas relacionadas con la formación en enfermería para el cuidado crítico (AU)

Introduction: International Organizations recognize that, for the health professions, the development of their specialties is transcendental since it allows them to deepen knowledge and skills for a more qualified professional practice that allows improving the quality of care. Objective: To explore the state of the art, application of nursing models and theories in intensive care units and trends in the training of nursing specialists for critically ill patients.Method: Documentary research whose object of study were 17 research articles related to the subject, the articles were captured in international databases Scielo, Elsevier, ScienceDirect, published between 2011-2021. A matrix for the selection of investigations and the Investigation Analytical Sheet were used as information collection instruments. The analysis was oriented based on the evolution of the training process, theoretical-disciplinary approaches and training trends and challenges Results: Articles from documentary reviews were found and, to a lesser extent, from qualitative or quantitative research studies. Conclusions: The study allowed us to recognize the progress of the training process and the evolution of teaching-learning strategies typical of traditional educational models to others that stimulate reflective and critical thinking. The literature that accounts for the application of nursing models and theories in critical care units is scarce; novel perspectives related to nursing training for critical care were found (AU)

Encuesta a los estudiantes tras diez años de enseñanza semipresencial continua de ecocardiografía / Student survey after ten years of continuous blended teaching of echocardiocraphy

Objetivo: Analizar el impacto durante 10 años de nuestro programa de enseñanza semipresencial en ecocardiografía. Métodos y resultados: Se envió una encuesta retrospectiva a todos los médicos especialistas que se graduaron en el programa, desarrollado en la Universidad de Chile, con un equipo docente de Chile y España. Un total de 140 de entre 210 estudiantes, graduados en nuestro programa de 2011 a 2020, respondieron voluntariamente a la encuesta. Entre quienes respondieron, el 53,57% fueron anestesiólogos y el 26,42% intensivistas. Más del 85% de los respondedores indicó que el periodo de enseñanza online cumplió sus expectativas, y el 70,2% indicó que la experiencia práctica cumplió sus objetivos. En un análisis retrospectivo utilizando datos autorreportados, se observaron incrementos significativos en cuanto a frecuencia del uso de ecocardiografía transtorácica y transesofágica del 24,29% al 40,71% y del 13,57% al 27,86%, respectivamente, tras el programa, en comparación con el periodo anterior al mismo. Se usó la ecocardiografía principalmente en el periodo perioperatorio (56,7%) y en cuidados intensivos (32,3%), mientras que solo el 11% de los respondedores la utilizó en unidades de urgencia. Además, el 92,4% de los respondedores reveló que la información aprendida durante el programa había sido muy útil para su práctica posterior. Conclusiones: A lo largo de una década de uso, el programa de aprendizaje semipresencial de ecocardiografía fue evaluado satisfactoriamente por los especialistas que se graduaron en el programa, siendo asociado a un incremento significativo del uso de ecocardiografía en el periodo perioperatorio y en cuidados intensivos. El principal desafío es establecer un periodo más prolongado de práctica, y lograr un mayor alcance en la medicina de urgencias.(AU)

Objective:To analyse the impact of 10 years of blended echocardiography teaching. Methods and results: A questionnaire was emailed to all medical doctors who graduated from the blended learning diploma in echocardiography developed by the University of Chile and taught by a team from Chile and Spain. One hundred and forty of the 210 students who graduated from the program between 2011 and 2020 completed the questionnaire: 53.57% were anaesthesiologists, and 26.42% were intensivists. More than 85% of respondents indicated that the online teaching met their expectations, and 70.2% indicated that the hands-on practice fulfilled the stated objectives. In a retrospective analysis using self-reported data, graduates reported that their use of transthoracic and transoesophageal echocardiography has increased from 24.29% to 40.71% and from 13.57% to 27.86%, repectively, after the programme compared to before the programme. They used echocardiography mainly in the perioperative period (56.7%) and during intensive care (32.3%), while only 11% of respondents used it in emergency care units. Nearly all (92.4%) respondents reported that the skills learned was very useful in their professional practice. Conclusions: Ten years after its launch, the blended learning diploma in echocardiography was well rated by graduate specialists, and is associated with a significant increase in the use of echocardiography in the perioperative period and during intensive care. The main challenges are to establish a longer period of practice and achieve greater implantation in emergency medicine.(AU)

Execução do ultrassom à beira leito no paciente crítico: protocolo de revisão de escopo / Bedside ultra sound execution for critical patient: scope review protocol

OBJETIVO: Descrever as evidências científicas acerca do ultrassom à beira do leito, executado pelos profissionais de saúde em ambiente crítico. MÉTODO: Revisão de escopo pautado nas normas e termos metodológicos do Joanna Briggs Institute (JBI), norteada pela pergunta "Como está descrito na literatura o uso do Point-of-Care Ultrasound - POCUS / ultrassom à beira do leito pelos profissionais de saúde na assistência direta ao paciente crítico?". A busca envolve nove bases de dados e na literatura cinzenta. A seleção de evidências se apresenta em três etapas, e para o gerenciamento das referências dos estudos se utiliza o software Mendeley. A avaliação dos estudos está sustentada nos critérios preestabelecidos de inclusão, e foi realizada por três revisores, sendo dois de modo independente e um terceiro para a preciação das divergências. Os dados extraídos têm apresentação descritiva e sintética dos resultados.

OBJECTIVE: To describe the scientific evidence about bedside ultrasound health professionals performing in a critical environment. METHOD: Scope review based on Joanna Briggs Institute methodological terms and standards, guided by the question "How is the use of Point-of-Care Ultrasound - POCUS / ultrasound at the bedside described in the literature by health professionals in direct care to critical patients?". The search involves nine data bases and in the gray literature. The selection of evidence is in three stages, and the Mendeley software is used to manage study references. The study evaluation is based on the pre-established inclusion criteria and was carried out by three reviewers, two independently and a third, to assess differences. The extracted data has a descriptive and synthetic presentation of the results.

Student survey after ten years of continuous blended teaching of echocardiography.

OBJECTIVE: To analyse the impact of 10 years of blended echocardiography teaching. METHODS AND RESULTS: A questionnaire was emailed to all medical doctors who graduated from the blended learning diploma in echocardiography developed by the University of Chile and taught by a team from Chile and Spain. One hundred and forty of the 210 students who graduated from the program between 2011 and 2020 completed the questionnaire: 53.57% were anaesthesiologists, and 26.42% were intensivists. More than 85% of respondents indicated that the online teaching met their expectations, and 70.2% indicated that the hands-on practice fulfilled the stated objectives. In a retrospective analysis using self-reported data, graduates reported that their use of transthoracic and transoesophageal echocardiography has increased from 24.29% to 40.71% and from 13.57% to 27.86%, repectively, after the programme compared to before the programme. They used echocardiography mainly in the perioperative period (56.7%) and during intensive care (32.3%), while only 11% of respondents used it in emergency care units. Nearly all (92.4%) respondents reported that the skills learned was very useful in their professional practice. CONCLUSIONS: Ten years after its launch, the blended learning diploma in echocardiography was well rated by graduate specialists, and is associated with a significant increase in the use of echocardiography in the perioperative period and during intensive care. The main challenges are to establish a longer period of practice and achieve greater implantation in emergency medicine.

Vaccination status and outcomes in critical COVID-19 patients / Situação vacinal e desfechos em pacientes com COVID-19 em estado crítico

ABSTRACT Objective: To analyze the clinical characteristics and outcomes of patients with COVID-19-related acute respiratory failure on the basis of their vaccination status at the time of ICU admission. Methods: We conducted a retrospective observational study using a prospective database of patients admitted to the ICU of a university hospital in the city of Murcia, in Spain, between January 1, 2021 and September 1, 2022. Clinical, analytical, and sociodemographic data were collected and analyzed on the basis of patient vaccination status. We adjusted for confounding variables using propensity score matching and calculated adjusted ORs and 95% CIs. Results: A total of 276 patients were included in the study. Of those, 8.3% were fully vaccinated, 12% were partially vaccinated, and 79.7% were unvaccinated. Although fully vaccinated patients had more comorbidities, partially vaccinated patients had higher disease severity. The proportion of patients with severe acute respiratory failure was higher in the unvaccinated group, followed by the partially vaccinated group. No significant differences were found among the different groups regarding complications, duration of ventilatory support, or length of ICU/hospital stay. In the sample selected by propensity score matching, the number of patients with severe complications and the in-hospital mortality rate were higher in unvaccinated patients, but the differences were not significant. Conclusions: This study failed to show a significant improvement in outcomes in critically ill COVID-19 patients vaccinated against SARS-CoV-2. However, the CIs were wide and the mortality point estimates favored patients who received at least one dose of COVID-19 vaccine.

RESUMO Objetivo: Analisar as características clínicas e desfechos de pacientes com insuficiência respiratória aguda por COVID-19 com base na situação vacinal no momento da admissão na UTI. Métodos: Estudo observacional retrospectivo com um banco de dados prospectivo de pacientes admitidos na UTI de um hospital universitário em Múrcia, na Espanha, entre 1º de janeiro de 2021 e 1º de setembro de 2022. Dados clínicos, analíticos e sociodemográficos foram coletados e analisados com base na situação vacinal dos pacientes. Por meio de pareamento por escore de propensão, foram realizados ajustes de modo a levar em conta as variáveis de confusão. Além disso, foram calculadas as OR ajustadas e IC95%. Resultados: Foram incluídos no estudo 276 pacientes. Destes, 8,3% apresentavam vacinação completa, 12% apresentavam vacinação incompleta e 79,7% não haviam sido vacinados. Embora os pacientes com vacinação completa apresentassem mais comorbidades, os com vacinação incompleta apresentavam doença mais grave. A proporção de pacientes com insuficiência respiratória aguda grave foi maior nos não vacinados, seguidos daqueles com vacinação incompleta. Não foram observadas diferenças significativas entre os diferentes grupos quanto a complicações, tempo de suporte ventilatório ou tempo de internação na UTI/hospital. Na amostra selecionada pelo pareamento por escore de propensão, o número de pacientes com complicações graves e a taxa de mortalidade hospitalar foram maiores em pacientes não vacinados, mas as diferenças não foram significativas. Conclusões: Este estudo não conseguiu demonstrar uma melhoria significativa dos desfechos em pacientes com COVID-19 em estado crítico e vacinados contra o SARS-CoV-2. No entanto, os IC foram amplos e as estimativas pontuais de mortalidade favoreceram os pacientes que receberam pelo menos uma dose de vacina contra a COVID-19.

Terapeutas ocupacionales novatos en unidades de cuidados críticos: ¿qué estrategias educativas de rehabilitación y cuidados se implementan en su formación? / Terapeutas ocupacionais novatos em unidades de cuidados críticos: quais estratégias educativas de reabilitação e cuidados são implementadas em sua formação? / Novice occupational therapists in critical care units: what rehabilitation and care educational strategies are implemented in their training?

Resumen Introducción La formación práctica de terapeutas ocupacionales en unidades de cuidados críticos, es esencial para el desempeño profesional en áreas de rehabilitación y cuidados clínicos. Objetivo Analizar el uso de estrategias educativas utilizadas en unidades de cuidados críticos y su incorporación en los procesos de formación profesional en terapeutas ocupacionales novatos. Metodología Se realizó una investigación cualitativa, con enfoque fenomenológico y diseño descriptivo. Se empleó un muestreo intencional. Los datos se obtuvieron a través de la aplicación de entrevistas semiestructuradas, observación directa y revisión documental. Participaron 4 terapeutas ocupacionales que se desempeñan en un hospital de alta complejidad de Santiago, Chile. Los datos fueron codificados en temas, categorías y subcategorías para su análisis, considerando las unidades de significado presentes en los mensajes desde una perspectiva hermenéutica. Resultados Se destaca la necesaria imbricación teórica-práctica que debe existir en el desarrollo de competencias profesionales de calidad en los entornos de cuidados críticos. Se consideran estrategias educativas efectivas en la formación de terapeutas ocupacionales novatos, sistemáticas tutorías, participación en equipos interdisciplinarios y la retroalimentación constante en las experiencias en medicina intensiva. Conclusión Se enfatiza la importancia de lograr formación profesional de calidad en terapeutas ocupacionales, mediante la implementación de estrategias de colaboración interdisciplinaria, reconociéndose la importancia de afianzar habilidades de comunicación efectiva entre terapeuta ocupacional y paciente crítico. Se identifica la necesidad de consolidar un campo de formación específica en estrategias educativas para el desarrollo de competencias profesionales en terapeutas ocupacionales novatos.

Resumo Introdução A formação prática de terapeutas ocupacionais em unidades de cuidados críticos é essencial para o desempenho profissional em áreas de reabilitação e cuidados clínicos. Objetivo Analisar o uso de estratégias educativas utilizadas em unidades de cuidados críticos e sua incorporação nos processos de formação profissional de terapeutas ocupacionais novatos. Método Foi realizada uma pesquisa qualitativa, com abordagem fenomenológica e design descritivo. Foi utilizado uma amostragem intencional. Os dados foram obtidos por meio de entrevistas semiestruturadas, observação direta e revisão documental. Participaram quatro terapeutas ocupacionais que trabalham em um hospital de alta complexidade em Santiago, Chile. Os dados foram codificados em temas, categorias e subcategorias para análise, considerando as unidades de significado presentes nas mensagens a partir de uma perspectiva hermenêutica. Resultados Destaca-se a necessária imbricação teórico-prática que deve existir no desenvolvimento de competências profissionais de qualidade nos ambientes de cuidados críticos. São consideradas estratégias educativas eficazes na formação de terapeutas ocupacionais novatos, como tutorias sistemáticas, participação em equipes interdisciplinares e feedback constante nas experiências em medicina intensiva. Conclusão Enfatiza-se a importância de alcançar formação profissional de qualidade entre terapeutas ocupacionais, por meio da implementação de estratégias de colaboração interdisciplinar, reconhecendo a importância de fortalecer habilidades de comunicação efetiva entre terapeuta ocupacional e paciente crítico. Identifica-se a necessidade de consolidar um campo de formação específico em estratégias educativas para o desenvolvimento de competências profissionais em terapeutas ocupacionais novatos.

Abstract Introduction Practical training for occupational therapists in critical care units is essential for professional performance in rehabilitation and clinical care areas. Objective To analyze the use of educational strategies employed in critical care units and their integration into the professional development process for novice occupational therapists. Methodology A qualitative research with a phenomenological approach and descriptive design was conducted. Intentional sampling was employed. Data was obtained through the application of semi-structured interviews, direct observation, and documentary review. Four occupational therapists working in a high-complexity hospital in Santiago, Chile, participated. The data was coded into themes, categories, and subcategories for analysis, considering the units of meaning present in the messages from a hermeneutic perspective. Results The necessary theoretical-practical integration required for the development of high-quality professional competencies in critical care environments is emphasized. Effective educational strategies for novice occupational therapists are considered, including systematic mentoring, participation in interdisciplinary teams, and ongoing feedback from experiences in intensive medicine. Conclusion The importance of achieving high-quality professional training for occupational therapists is emphasized through the implementation of interdisciplinary collaboration strategies, recognizing the significance of strengthening effective communication skills between occupational therapists and critical care patients. The need to establish a specific training field for educational strategies in the development of professional competencies for novice occupational therapists is identified.

A comprehensive physical functional assessment of survivors of critical care unit stay due to COVID-19 / Avaliação físico-funcional abrangente de sobreviventes de internação em unidade de terapia intensiva devido à COVID-19

ABSTRACT Objective: To examine the physical function and respiratory muscle strength of patients - who recovered from critical COVID-19 - after intensive care unit discharge to the ward on Days one (D1) and seven (D7), and to investigate variables associated with functional impairment. Methods: This was a prospective cohort study of adult patients with COVID-19 who needed invasive mechanical ventilation, non-invasive ventilation or high-flow nasal cannula and were discharged from the intensive care unit to the ward. Participants were submitted to Medical Research Council sum-score, handgrip strength, maximal inspiratory pressure, maximal expiratory pressure, and short physical performance battery tests. Participants were grouped into two groups according to their need for invasive ventilation: the Invasive Mechanical Ventilation Group (IMV Group) and the Non-Invasive Mechanical Ventilation Group (Non-IMV Group). Results: Patients in the IMV Group (n = 31) were younger and had higher Sequential Organ Failure Assessment scores than those in the Non-IMV Group (n = 33). The short physical performance battery scores (range 0 - 12) on D1 and D7 were 6.1 ± 4.3 and 7.3 ± 3.8, respectively for the Non-Invasive Mechanical Ventilation Group, and 1.3 ± 2.5 and 2.6 ± 3.7, respectively for the IMV Group. The prevalence of intensive care unit-acquired weakness on D7 was 13% for the Non-IMV Group and 72% for the IMV Group. The maximal inspiratory pressure, maximal expiratory pressure, and handgrip strength increased on D7 in both groups, but the maximal expiratory pressure and handgrip strength were still weak. Only maximal inspiratory pressure was recovered (i.e., > 80% of the predicted value) in the Non-IMV Group. Female sex, and the need and duration of invasive mechanical were independently and negatively associated with the short physical performance battery score and handgrip strength. Conclusion: Patients who recovered from critical COVID-19 and who received invasive mechanical ventilation presented greater disability than those who were not invasively ventilated. However, they both showed marginal functional improvement during early recovery, regardless of the need for invasive mechanical ventilation. This might highlight the severity of disability caused by SARS-CoV-2.

RESUMO Objetivo: Examinar a função física e a força muscular respiratória de pacientes que se recuperaram da COVID-19 grave após a alta da unidade de terapia intensiva para a enfermaria nos Dias 1 e 7 e investigar as variáveis associadas ao comprometimento funcional. Métodos: Trata-se de estudo de coorte prospectivo de pacientes adultos com COVID-19 que necessitaram de ventilação mecânica invasiva, ventilação mecânica não invasiva ou cânula nasal de alto fluxo e tiveram alta da unidade de terapia intensiva para a enfermaria. Os participantes foram submetidos aos testes Medical Research Council sum-score, força de preensão manual, pressão inspiratória máxima, pressão expiratória máxima e short physical performance battery. Os participantes foram agrupados em dois grupos conforme a necessidade de ventilação mecânica invasiva: o Grupo Ventilação Mecânica Invasiva (Grupo VMI) e o Grupo Não Ventilação Mecânica Invasiva (Grupo Não VMI). Resultados: Os pacientes do Grupo VMI (n = 31) eram mais jovens e tinham pontuações do Sequential Organ Failure Assessment mais altas do que os do Grupo VMI (n = 33). As pontuações do short physical performance battery (intervalo de zero a 12) nos Dias 1 e 7 foram 6,1 ± 4,3 e 7,3 ± 3,8, respectivamente para o Grupo Não VMI, e 1,3 ± 2,5 e 2,6 ± 3,7, respectivamente para o Grupo VMI. A prevalência de fraqueza adquirida na unidade de terapia intensiva no Dia 7 foi de 13% para o Grupo Não VMI e de 72% para o Grupo VMI. A pressão inspiratória máxima, a pressão expiratória máxima e a força de preensão manual aumentaram no Dia 7 em ambos os grupos, porém a pressão expiratória máxima e a força de preensão manual ainda eram fracas. Apenas a pressão inspiratória máxima foi recuperada (ou seja, > 80% do valor previsto) no Grupo Não VMI. As variáveis sexo feminino, e necessidade e duração da ventilação mecânica invasiva foram associadas de forma independente e negativa à pontuação do short physical performance battery e à força de preensão manual. Conclusão: Os pacientes que se recuperaram da COVID-19 grave e receberam ventilação mecânica invasiva apresentaram maior incapacidade do que aqueles que não foram ventilados invasivamente. No entanto, os dois grupos de pacientes apresentaram melhora funcional marginal durante a fase inicial de recuperação, independentemente da necessidade de ventilação mecânica invasiva. Esse resultado pode evidenciar a gravidade da incapacidade causada pelo SARS-CoV-2.