Articles: intensive-care-units.
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Patients in intensive care units (ICU) are 3 to 4 times more prone to nosocomial infection (NI) than patients in general wards owing to the severity of their pathology and the frequent use of invasive procedures. The aim of this study was to establish the incidence of NI in an ICU and the associated risk factors. ⋯ The incidence of NI is acceptable in our ICU. The most frequent location was the respiratory tract (52.6%). The pathogens most frequently isolated in this ICU were Gram negative rods. The risk of NI increased in more debilitated patients with more severe disease who were administered antibiotic or corticosteroids and submitted to more invasive procedures.
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To estimate the incidence of the acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS) in an Australian urban community, and to describe the pattern of disease and outcomes in a community hospital intensive care unit (ICU). ⋯ These data show that for ARDS, at least, mortality outcome can be comparable in a community ICU to a tertiary referral institution. The pattern of disease in an urban Australian community hospital is different to that often reported from tertiary centres. The incidence of ARDS in an Australian urban community is comparable to the reported incidence in North America and Western Europe.
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Critical care medicine · May 1997
Multicenter Study Comparative StudyEvaluating laboratory usage in the intensive care unit: patient and institutional characteristics that influence frequency of blood sampling.
To develop a predictive equation to estimate the frequency of blood drawing for intensive care unit (ICU) laboratory tests and to evaluate variations in ICU blood sampling practices after adjusting for patient and institutional factors. ⋯ The ability to adjust for patient and institutional variables and to predict the number of blood samples drawn for laboratory tests can allow ICUs to compare their practices with those of other units. When integrated into a continuous quality improvement process, this information can be used to identify and focus on opportunities for improving blood conservation and reducing excessive diagnostic testing.
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Nursing in critical care · May 1997
ReviewThe needs of parents with a child on an adult intensive therapy unit.
This review examines, by means of a literature search, the needs of parents who have a critically ill child on adult intensive therapy units. These needs are compared with the needs of relatives of adult patients in ITUs. Whether nurses trained in adult nursing have the necessary skills, knowledge and attitudes to care for the parents is also discussed. Recommendations for ensuring care of the parent point to addressing skills gaps in adult-trained nurses and to reappraising visiting policies.