Nursing in critical care
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Nursing in critical care · Jul 2015
Introduction of a new ward round approach in a cardiothoracic critical care unit.
Francis (2013) described inconsistent ward rounds and failures to conduct ward rounds properly as contributing factors to the poor care seen at the Mid Staffordshire Foundation Trust. He suggested that the absence of a nurse at the bedside had clear consequences for communication, ward round efficiency and patient safety. He recommended that nurses should be actively involved in ward rounds and linked this to high quality patient care. ⋯ Nurses' full participation in ward rounds is essential to ensure effective communication and enhance patient safety.
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Nursing in critical care · Jul 2015
A shared language regarding sedation and delirium in critically ill patients.
Patients in intensive care units who develop delirium, experience longer stay in intensive care as well as increased morbidity and mortality. A questionnaire in 2009 showed that there was no consensus in Denmark regarding the tools to be used to assess sedation or delirium, the patient groups they should be used in, or the frequency of assessment. ⋯ A systematic use of a shared language according to sedation and delirium in intensive care units can minimize mistakes in transfer of patients and minimize the risk of doubly traumatising patients.