Aust Crit Care
-
Early recognition of deteriorating patients results in better patient outcomes. Modified early warning scores (MEWS) attempt to identify deteriorating patients early so timely interventions can occur thus reducing serious adverse events. We compared frequencies of vital sign recording 24h post-ICU discharge and 24h preceding unplanned ICU admission before and after a new observation chart using MEWS and an associated educational programme was implemented into an Australian Tertiary referral hospital in Brisbane. ⋯ The implementation of a new MEWS observation chart plus a supporting educational programme was associated with statistically significant increases in frequency of combined and individual vital sign set recordings during the first 24h post-ICU discharge. There were no significant changes to frequency of individual vital sign recordings in unplanned admissions to ICU after the MEWS observation chart was implemented, except for urine output. Overall increases in the frequency of full vital sign sets were seen.
-
Many ICU-patients have memory-gaps which may affect their recovery. A tool in the recovery can be an ICU-diary to explain and clarify thoughts and events from the ICU-period. There are different standards for the content in the ICU-diary. The aim of this study was to identify the preferred content and usefulness of an ICU-diary as described by ICU-patients. ⋯ To construct a coherent story, it was essential that the ICU-diary was complete and were amplified by photos, all appearing in a chronological order. The results of this study could form a basis for further developments of standards and guidelines for ICU-diaries.