American journal of critical care : an official publication, American Association of Critical-Care Nurses
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The use of checklists in the pediatric intensive care unit can help improve the quality of care and patient safety. ⋯ This study resulted in a useful and valid instrument for application in interprofessional rounds that was tailored to the needs of local health care professionals.
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Moral distress is well-documented among civilian critical care nurses and adversely affects patient outcomes, care delivery, and retention of health care providers. Despite its recognized significance, few studies have addressed moral distress in military critical care nurses. ⋯ These results will help guide specific, targeted interventions to reduce the negative effects of moral distress on our military health care providers, especially in terms of readiness for the next global pandemic and retention of these invaluable personnel.
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The American Journal of Critical Care's Junior Peer Reviewer program aims to mentor novice reviewers in the peer review process. To grow their critical appraisal skills, the participants take part in discussion sessions in which they review articles published in other journals. Here we summarize the articles reviewed during the second year of the program, which again focused on the care of critically ill patients with COVID-19. ⋯ Current methodology in crisis standards of care may result in inequity and further research is needed. The use of extracorporeal carbon dioxide removal to facilitate super low tidal volume ventilation does not improve 90-day mortality outcomes. Continued research to better understand the natural history of COVID-19 and interventions useful for improving outcomes is imperative.
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Meta Analysis
Prevention of Endotracheal Tube-Related Pressure Injury: A Systematic Review and Meta-analysis.
Hospital-acquired pressure injuries, including those related to airway devices, are a significant source of morbidity in critically ill patients. ⋯ Airway device-related pressure injuries are common in critically ill patients, and patients with nasotracheal tubes are particularly susceptible to iatrogenic harm. Fastening devices and barrier dressings decrease the incidence of injury. Evidence regarding interventions is limited by lack of standardized assessments.
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Critical access hospitals were created to bring health care to rural populations. These hospitals lack equipment and resources, but the nurses who work there still provide end-of-life care to critically ill and dying patients. ⋯ Obstacles and helpful behaviors for providing end-of-life care remain consistent. Nurses in critical access hospitals are accustomed to working without the typical resources found in urban hospitals and thus did not perceive resource deficits to be among the greatest obstacles to providing end-of-life care. Family behaviors and attitudes remain the most dominant obstacle noted by nurses.