Crit Care Resusc
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To review immediate procedure-related complications of percutaneous dilational tracheostomy (PDT) in relation to patient characteristics, technique and seniority of operator. ⋯ Our findings are comparable with those of other published case studies, with low complication rates for PDT. This audit supports our structured training program, policies on procedure, and quality audit process.
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To investigate analgesic prescription patterns and administration in postoperative cardiac surgery patients in the ICU in a tertiary hospital. ⋯ We recommend introducing scoring of patient pain in the ICU, both at rest and with movement, and provision of a designated area on the ICU flow chart for these scores. Paracetamol or other simple analgesics could be prescribed regularly, and staff need education about premedication of patients before removal of chest drains.