Articles: critical-care.
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DataBook is a computer application developed to assist the nurse manager in collecting, assessing and monitoring unit data on a day-to-day and summary basis. Once captured, this information can then be presented to create "information snapshots" of unit characteristics. Utilizing a PC-based spreadsheet program, the application is designed to be used by individuals with a modest degree of computer literacy.
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To determine what complications children have during interhospital transfer for intensive care, and how often these complications occur. ⋯ Most children had adverse clinical events during transfer for intensive care. A number are transported by inexperienced staff with inadequate or malfunctioning equipment. Standards for patient management and monitoring during transfer need to be established. To reduce unsatisfactory care during transfer, it is necessary to establish dedicated and specifically trained paediatric transport teams.
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To determine what events are perceived as most stressful to patients in the surgical intensive care unit (SICU). ⋯ Overall stress associated with specific events during a short stay in the SICU was minimal. Intubation and inability to communicate were the most stressful experiences.
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Ann Acad Med Singap · Jul 1994
Septic shock in a surgical intensive care--validation of multiorgan and APACHE II scores in predicting outcome.
We analysed retrospectively the records of 353 admissions to the National University Hospital's Surgical Intensive Care Unit over a one-year period and found 25 patients with septicaemic shock requiring vasoactive therapy. The mortality rate was 68%. ⋯ Only the APACHE II was a significant predictor of outcome, the rest having poor predictive ability. We conclude that the present scoring systems are too inaccurate for us to base important clinical decisions on.
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Resuscitation and management of high-risk multiple trauma patients require a systematic and coordinated approach to diagnostic and therapeutic interventions. Clinical algorithms with branch chain decision logic can provide a clear and organized transformation of clinical standards for trauma care. Owing to their capability in formalization and standardization, algorithms define precisely the process of care and serve as a central interface within the system of quality assurance and quality control. ⋯ Special starting and ending point symbols make it possible to break down complex processes in several single interrelated algorithms. Inclusion of optional criteria checklists reduces the number of decision nodes and loops and minimizes the extent of a comprehensive algorithm. Clinical algorithms are an excellent tool for converting highly complex concepts of multiple trauma management into a logical, prioritized and systematic process of care.