Nursing in critical care
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Nursing in critical care · Jul 2010
ReviewPotential effects of stress in critical illness through the role of stress neuropeptides.
To critically review evidence on the hypothesis that the multitude of cognitive and psychological stressors perceived by critically ill individuals may contribute to the development of pathophysiologic sequlae through modulation of the levels of stress neuropeptides. ⋯ If this hypothesis is corroborated, bedside quantification of selected neuropeptides may contribute to the assessment of stress and of the effectiveness of psychological support interventions in the future. Moreover, psychosocial and, probably, pharmacological support interventions may be effective adjuncts to the care of the critically ill.
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Nursing in critical care · Jul 2010
Multicenter StudyAn act of caring - patient diaries in Norwegian intensive care units.
The aim of this study was to obtain more knowledge about the background, extent and implementation of diaries in Norwegian intensive care units (ICUs) providing mechanical ventilation to adult patients. ⋯ The findings show that 31 out of 70 ICUs offer patient diaries, and many units have a long history of diary writing. Most of the units have some kind of guidelines, and the study has shown that diaries serve dual purposes; one of caring and another of therapy. Although these two dimensions seemingly present a paradox from a theoretical point of view, a combination appears to be at work in clinical practice. This may be explained by a tendency in nursing to regard caring as superior to therapy. The writing frequency varies, and the units that reported high activity provided follow-up programs in addition to diary writing. Diary writing as a nursing intervention is threatened by a lack of funding.
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Nursing in critical care · Jul 2010
Multicenter StudyImplementing minimum notification criteria for organ donation in an acute hospital's critical care units.
To increase the number of donated organs through an effective donor identification and referral scheme in a large acute hospital's critical care units. ⋯ The required referral scheme has clearly shown an impressive increase in donation activity within the trust. Donation has been embraced as a normal part of end of life care.