American journal of critical care : an official publication, American Association of Critical-Care Nurses
-
Randomized Controlled Trial Multicenter Study
Serum Albumin Level at Intensive Care Unit Admission and Delirium Duration and Severity in Critically Ill Adults.
Hypoalbuminemia has been associated with an increased risk of in-hospital delirium. However, the relationship between serum albumin levels and the duration and severity of delirium is not well defined. ⋯ In patients with delirium, higher albumin levels were associated with shorter hospital stays but not with delirium duration or severity.
-
Surrogates of incapacitated patients in the intensive care unit (ICU) face decisions related to life-sustaining treatments. Decisional conflict is understudied. ⋯ These findings provide insight into bereaved ICU surrogates' experiences. The low overall survey scores may reflect retrospective measurement. Surrogates who pursued treatment were underrepresented. Novel approaches to support bereaved surrogates are warranted.
-
Observational Study
Picturing Empathy in the Intensive Care Unit: Patient Photographs at an Urban Community Teaching Hospital.
Intensive care unit (ICU) clinicians are at risk for burnout, which can be driven by depersonalization. Photographs of patients in their baseline state of health before ICU admission may enhance the connection between clinicians and patients. The use of patient photographs has not been evaluated in an urban community teaching hospital. ⋯ Patient photographs may enhance connections between clinicians and patients in the ICU, potentially reducing depersonalization and burnout.
-
Parents of children in pediatric intensive care units have varied communication experiences with health care professionals. Little is known about factors associated with parents' perceptions of miscommunication. ⋯ Parental stress and trust in physician scores were associated with perceived miscommunication. Further research is needed to understand the causes and consequences of miscommunication in order to support hospitalized children and their parents.