Crit Care Resusc
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Medication errors can be dangerous and are an intensive care unit quality indicator. Few studies have assessed interventions aimed at improving prescription practice. Anecdotal reports in our ICU indicated a high incidence of prescription errors, including illegible handwriting, and lack of prescriber identity and antibiotic indications. Knowledge translation (KT) is an emerging tool that uses collaborative stakeholder participation and focuses on education and inclusiveness rather than punitive audits. ⋯ A systematic KT process of collaborative education can reduce ICU prescription errors.
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Necrotising fasciitis is a rare, rapidly progressive soft tissue infection associated with extensive necrosis, profound shock and high morbidity and mortality. Incidence worldwide is thought to be increasing. ⋯ There is an higher incidence of necrotising fasciitis at our hospital in South Auckland than reported elsewhere. Maori and Pacific Islander people are at increased risk. In our patient sample APACHE II score, preexisting abnormal renal function and gout were associated with mortality.
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To determine functional outcomes 6 months after intensive care unit admission for severe infection due to pandemic (H1N1) 2009 influenza and examine the relationship between nutrition during ICU admission and outcome. ⋯ Patients admitted to this ICU with H1N1 infection were fed successfully during their stay. Critically ill patients surviving H1N1 infection had good functional outcomes at 6 months.