American journal of critical care : an official publication, American Association of Critical-Care Nurses
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Discharge from critical care to a general care unit is a difficult period, and more effective information is needed to support patients and their families at this time. ⋯ This focus group study provides unique user insight into what influences successful and unsuccessful information giving. Based on real experiences, it adds to the limited international body of current evidence. Findings will be of value in designing future critical care discharge information and identifying the related resource implications.
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Randomized Controlled Trial
Use of a noninvasive electromagnetic device to place transpyloric feeding tubes in critically ill children.
The start of transpyloric feedings is often delayed because of challenges in reliably placing tubes blindly at the bedside. ⋯ Placement of transpyloric feeding tubes with the guidance of a noninvasive electromagnetic device significantly increases the time required for accurate placement. Because placement of transpyloric feeding tubes in critically ill children is common practice in many pediatric intensive care units, technology that delays satisfactory placement may be counterproductive in experienced hands.
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Inpatients may be at risk of cardiopulmonary instability during radiologic testing. Calling the medical emergency team is one rescue intervention that brings a team of critical care providers to the unstable patient. Little is known, however, about patients' instability and activations of the medical emergency team in the radiology department (RD-MET). ⋯ RD-MET patients with comorbid conditions, from a general care unit, and at risk for neurological deterioration arrive in the radiology department with potentially underestimated support needs. Greater support in specific time frames and locations may be warranted to improve outcomes.
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Factors that affect the impact of caregiving on patients' family members who provide care to patients with heart failure have not been adequately addressed. In addition, social support and positive aspects of caregiving have received little attention. ⋯ Caregiving has both positive and negative effects on family caregivers of patients with heart failure. The findings suggest the need for interventions to increase caregivers' sense of control and social support. Family caregivers may need additional support immediately after patient hospitalizations to minimize the negative impact of caregiving.