Nursing in critical care
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Nursing in critical care · Nov 2013
ReviewPatients' and relatives' experiences of transfer from intensive care unit to wards.
This literature review looks at the evidence around transferring patients from intensive care units (ICU) to wards. The literature informs us that patients and their families experience problems when being transferred from an ICU environment and that this increases overall anxiety. ⋯ As critical care nurses it is essential that we prepare patients and families for transfer to wards.
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Nursing in critical care · Nov 2013
Patients and ICU nurses' perspectives of non-pharmacological interventions for pain management.
Pain is a major stressor for critically ill patients. To maximize pain relief, non-pharmacological interventions are an interesting avenue to explore. ⋯ While more evidence is required to conclude to their effectiveness, ICU nurses can use non-pharmacological interventions complementary to pharmacological treatment of pain as they are low cost and safe.
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Nursing in critical care · Nov 2013
Staff perception of patient discharge from ICU to ward-based care.
The quality of information exchange between intensive care unit (ICU) and ward nurses, when patients are transferred out of intensive care, is important to the continuity of safe care. ⋯ Standardized handover, with content and processes that are mutually negotiated, is crucial to providing the safest environment for patients.