Crit Care Resusc
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Intensive care unit (ICU) cost estimates are critical to achieving healthcare system efficiency and sustainability. We aimed to review the published literature describing ICU costs in Australia. ⋯ Available ICU cost estimates are largely outdated and lack granular data. Future research is needed to estimate ICU costs that better reflect current practice and patient complexity and to determine the best methods for generating these estimates.
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This article aims to examine the impact of nursing workforce skill-mix (percentage of critical care registered nurses [CCRN]) in the intensive care unit (ICU) during a patient's stay. ⋯ The nursing skill-mix in ICU impacts outcomes and should be routinely monitored. Health system regulators, hospital administrators and ICU leaders should ensure nursing workforce planning and education align with these findings to maximise patient outcomes.
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The objective of this study was to determine whether automated titration of the fraction of inspired oxygen (FiO2) increases the time spent with oxygen saturation (SpO2) within a predetermined target SpO2 range compared with manually adjusted high-flow oxygen therapy in postoperative cardiac surgical patients managed in the intensive care unit (ICU). ⋯ In patients recently extubated after cardiac surgery, automated FiO2 titration significantly increased time spent in a target SpO2 range of 92-96 % compared to manual FiO2 titration.
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To describe the relative importance of health concerns reported by survivors of critical illness treated in the intensive care unit (ICU), their estimate of time to achieve recovery, and their reported randomised clinical trial participation willingness. ⋯ Survivors reported high and varied health concerns of which severe disability requiring care and inability to return home were the highest. Respondents anticipated a relatively short recovery.
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Determine the prevalence and outcomes of patients with life-limiting illness (LLI) admitted to Australian and New Zealand Intensive Care Units (ICUs). ⋯ Patients with LLI account for almost a quarter of ICU admissions in Australia and New Zealand, require prolonged ICU and hospital care, and have high mortality in subsequent years. This knowledge should be used to identify this vulnerable cohort of patients, and to ensure that treatment is aligned to each patient's values and realistic goals.