Dynamics (Pembroke, Ont.)
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Dynamics (Pembroke, Ont.) · Jan 2011
Increased mortality among the critically ill patients admitted on weekends: a global trend.
Critical illness and injury have no concept of time and do not always occur within regular business hours or at times conducive to optimal hospital function. In fact, it is a global trend that critically ill patients admitted to hospitals on weekends suffer higher mortality rates than those admitted during the week. ⋯ Possible solutions include moving to a "closed" ICU system, increasing nurse staffing, intensivist coverage and diagnostic accessibility, and creating a true seven-day hospital system. Finally, it is unclear exactly how to solve the nurse staffing portion of this problem, as it appears internally linked to the nursing profession and externally to hospital management, recruiting difficulties and financial restraints, and a problem that will take more than change in nursing management strategy to resolve.
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Dynamics (Pembroke, Ont.) · Jan 2011
Caring for patients and families at end of life: the experiences of nurses during withdrawal of life-sustaining treatment.
Withdrawal of life-sustaining treatment is a process in which active treatment and the accompanying technology are removed, ending in the death of the patient. ⋯ The essence of this experience was described by these nurses as "trying to do the right thing". Three major themes emerged: A journey--creating comfort along the way, working in professional angst, and providing memories.
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Dynamics (Pembroke, Ont.) · Jan 2010
Health care providers' perceptions of family presence during pediatric resuscitation.
The Pediatric Intensive Care Unit (PICU) team strives to achieve the family-centred care philosophy consistent with the organization's vision and mission. In 2006, a team of nurses began exploration of the evidence on family presence during pediatric resuscitation with the primary goal to integrate this knowledge into practice. From the literature search, it was apparent there was limited published research, especially in a Canadian pediatric setting. This led to a staged research project to explore and, subsequently, integrate family presence during resuscitation into the culture. ⋯ In 2007, data demonstrated sufficient support to move this project forward. In addition, the survey indentified facilitators and barriers to assist in both the development of an evidence-based guideline and the successful integration into practice. In 2010, the post-implementation survey supported the evidenced-based practice guideline had achieved its goal of integration into practice.