American journal of critical care : an official publication, American Association of Critical-Care Nurses
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Medical malpractice data can be used to improve patient safety. ⋯ Malpractice claims involving ICU nurses were distinct from claims in comparably fast-paced settings. Focusing harm-prevention efforts in the ICU on skin integrity and monitoring of patients would most likely mitigate many highly severe harms involving ICU nurses, which would benefit both patients and nurses.
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Provision of developmentally appropriate support for child visitors in adult intensive care units (ICUs) would benefit patients and young visitors. Research on best practices for child visitation in adult ICUs is limited. ⋯ Nurses were inconsistently open to child visitation. Exceptions for older children (> 6 years), children whose parent was the patient, patients' illness severity, and end of life allowed more child visitation. Ways to facilitate child-friendly visitation in adult ICUs are discussed.