Nursing in critical care
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Nursing in critical care · Mar 2012
An audit of independent nurse prescribing in a critical care outreach team.
In 2006, legislative changes enabled independent prescribers to prescribe any licensed medication within their field of expertise. This has transformed nurse prescribing and opened up more opportunities for nurses to develop their practice in acute care settings. The need for further evaluation in this developing area of advanced practice was highlighted in the British Association of Critical Care Nurses (BACCN) position statement published in 2009. ⋯ This preliminary audit has shown that prescribing in a CCO setting which covers a wide patient population is manageable. By evaluating drug prescribing patterns, a 'critical care outreach formulary' can be developed to guide individuals and the team in their continuing professional and service development. The CCO teams ability to prescribe could have the potential to improve the patients' experience and outcome, and positively affect the efficiency of service delivery; however, an increase in CCO referrals can have an impact on the CCO service resource. Further evaluation and study are needed to explore this developing area of critical care delivery.
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Nursing in critical care · Mar 2012
Family presence during resuscitation: a descriptive study of nurses' attitudes from two Saudi hospitals.
The presence of family in the patient care area during resuscitation events is a matter of current debate among health care professionals in many communities. Family presence is highly recommended by many health organizations worldwide for several reasons including patient and family rights. There are no policies or guidelines in Saudi Arabia to guide health professionals in their practice regarding the option of family being present during resuscitations. The purpose of this study was to identify the attitudes of nurses towards family presence during resuscitation in the Muslim community of Saudi Arabia. ⋯ The findings of the study strongly suggest the need for the development of written policies offering families the option to remain with patients during resuscitation in Saudi Arabia. The study further recommends the development of education programs for staff and public for the safe implementation of the practice.
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This practice development review describes how the introduction of hypertonic saline in the treatment of raised intracranial pressure was brought about in one critical care unit. It considers the need for staff education and patient safety as an integral part of the change process. ⋯ Critical care and neurosurgical nurses need to be aware of the potentially serious side effects, actions and correct methods of administration of hypertonic saline to ensure its safe use and ensure patient safety. Effects and side effects of hypertonic saline are described, highlighting the need for care in introducing such agents into a clinical area. The methodology used was an electronic search. The change in practice relates to the introduction of hypertonic saline, but could be adapted for any change in clinical nursing practice.
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Nursing in critical care · Mar 2012
Critical care outreach referrals: a mixed-method investigative study of outcomes and experiences.
To explore referrals to a critical care outreach team (CCOT), associated factors around patient management and survival to discharge, and the qualitative exploration of referral characteristics (identifying any areas for service improvement around CCOT). ⋯ Mapping outreach episodes of care and patient outcomes can help highlight areas for improvement. This study outlines reasons for referral and how outreach can facilitate patient pathways in critical illness.