Journal of critical care
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Journal of critical care · Jun 2008
Multicenter StudyAssessing organizational performance in intensive care units: a French experience.
The objective of the study was to assess and to explain variation of organizational performance in intensive care units (ICUs). ⋯ A benchmarking approach can be used by ICU managers to assess the organizational performance of their ICU based on a validated questionnaire. Differences are mainly explained by cultural values and individual well-being factors, introducing new requirements for managing human resources in ICUs.
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Journal of critical care · Jun 2008
The American Society of Anesthesiologists' national endorsement program for simulation centers.
Anesthesiologists pioneered the use of simulation for health care years ago, and expanded the use of the technology in the 1980s and 1990s. Now, the American Society of Anesthesiologists is supporting an accreditation process for simulation programs to ensure that practicing anesthesiologists and their patients benefit from innovative, experiential training that has the potential to improve care and foster a higher level of patient safety. The development of this accreditation process is discussed along with its anticipated benefits.
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Journal of critical care · Jun 2008
Quantifying the volume of documented clinical information in critical illness.
The purpose of this study is to describe the volume of clinical information documented in critical illness, its relationship to the use of intensive care unit (ICU) technology, and changes over time. ⋯ A large and increasing volume of information was documented during the course of critical illness. More information was documented in patients receiving ICU technologies, suggesting that the volume of documented information is a marker of therapeutic intensity. It is also a source of workload and provides opportunity for error. Our findings underscore the importance of effective information management and communication strategies. Additional work is needed to evaluate the implications of current documentation practices for workload and quality of care.
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Journal of critical care · Jun 2008
Improving communication in a pediatric intensive care unit using daily patient goal sheets.
The aim of the study was to determine if a pediatric intensive care unit (PICU) daily patient goal sheet would improve communication between health care providers and decrease length of stay (LOS). ⋯ Using a PICU daily patient goal sheet can improve communication between health care providers, help nurses identify the in-charge physicians, and be helpful for patient care. By explicitly documenting patient care goals, there is enhanced clarity of patient care plans between health care providers.