Intensive & critical care nursing : the official journal of the British Association of Critical Care Nurses
-
Clinical guidelines and care protocols are intended to provide information, based on an appraisal of the current best evidence of clinical and cost-effectiveness, regarding therapeutic interventions for given conditions. With the establishment of the National Collaborating Centre for Nursing as a part of National Institute for Clinical Excellence (NICE), it is anticipated that an increasing number of clinical guidelines that focus on aspects of nursing care will be developed at a national level. ⋯ However, they also introduce potential dilemmas for nurses. This paper discusses some of the issues involved in the development and implementation of clinical guidelines and care protocols in intensive care nursing.
-
Intensive Crit Care Nurs · Feb 2004
Comparative StudyThe needs of significant others within intensive care--the perspectives of Swedish nurses and physicians.
The aim of this study was to describe and compare the views of registered nurses (RNs, n=292), enrolled nurses (ENs, n=232) and physicians (PHs, n=79) working in intensive care units (ICUs) on the needs of the patients' significant others. The questionnaire used was the Critical Care Family Needs Inventory (CCFNI). Data were analysed using descriptive and inferential statistics. ⋯ On the fourth factor, ENs and PHs scored higher than the RNs. The professionals from surgical ICUs scored higher on the third factor than the professionals from medical ICUs. In conclusion, to increase the understanding of the complexity of the intensive care milieu there is a need for further research to illuminate the view of both the healthcare professionals' and the critically ill patients' significant others on their interactions with one another, for the purpose of increasing collaboration.
-
Intensive Crit Care Nurs · Dec 2003
Multicenter StudyIntensive care sedation of mechanically ventilated patients: a national Swedish survey.
Sedation in critically ill patients is a complex issue and at the same time an important concept for ensuring patient comfort. The aim of this study was to review the current practice of sedation for patients on mechanical ventilation in Swedish intensive care units (ICUs). Questionnaires were sent by post to head nurses in 89 ICUs with mechanically ventilated patients. ⋯ This study indicates that local habits and personal attitudes seem to have a great impact on sedation routines. It therefore appears worthwhile for ICUs to review their practice and, if necessary, to consider implementing sedation scales and sedation guidelines. Research pertaining to potential complications and patient comfort in relation to different sedation levels as well as further validation of the efficacy of sedation scales is needed.