American journal of critical care : an official publication, American Association of Critical-Care Nurses
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Infection control protocols, including visitor restrictions, implemented during the COVID-19 pandemic threatened the ability to provide compassionate, family-centered care to patients dying in the hospital. In response, clinicians used videoconferencing technology to facilitate conversations between patients and their families. ⋯ Clinician experiences can be used to inform policies and practices for using videoconferencing technology to provide high-quality end-of-life care in the future, including during public health crises.
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Nursing handoff is a communication activity with a high risk for loss or omission of information. Efforts to improve handoffs include standardization of the processes and content of handoff communications. ⋯ A standardized approach to handoff based on unit and organizational needs will be more successful than a broad mandate of content and organization. Individual preference is prevalent and strongly influences the information conveyed and the structure of handoff communication.
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The inadequate oxygen delivery (IDo2) index is used to estimate the probability that a patient is experiencing inadequate systemic delivery of oxygen. Its utility in the care of critically ill children with sepsis is unknown. ⋯ Routine IDo2 monitoring may identify critically ill children with sepsis who are at the highest risk of adverse events and poor outcomes.
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Parents' perceptions of critical care during the final days of their child's life shape their grief for decades. Little is known about nursing care needs of children actively dying in the pediatric intensive care unit (PICU). ⋯ Children with cancer and longer PICU stays may need comprehensive comfort management. Invasive devices left in place during withdrawal of life support may have inhibited parents' ability to connect with their child. Future research should incorporate parents' perspectives.