Critical care: the impact of organization and management on outcomes. Curr Opin Crit Care. 2010;16:487-492. [PMID: 20689418 DOI: 10.1097/mcc.0b013e32833d9180]

The relationship between nursing skill mix and severity of illness of patients admitted in Australian and New Zealand intensive care units

BACKGROUND

Critically ill patients in the intensive care environment require an appropriate nursing workforce to improve quality of care and patient outcomes. However, limited information exists as to the relationship between severity of illness and nursing skill mix in the intensive care.

OBJECTIVE

The aim of this study was to describe the variation in nursing skill mix across different hospital types and to determine if this was associated with severity of illness of critically ill patients admitted to adult intensive care units (ICUs) in Australia and New Zealand.

DESIGN & SETTING

A retrospective cohort study using the Australia and New Zealand Intensive Care Society Adult Patient Database (to provide information on patient demographics, severity of illness, and outcome) and the Critical Care Resources Registry (to provide information on annual nursing staffing levels and hospital type) from July 2014 to June 2020. Four hospital types (metropolitan, private, rural/regional, and tertiary) and three patient groups (elective surgical, emergency surgical, and medical) were examined.

MAIN OUTCOME MEASURE

The main outcome measure was the proportion of critical care specialist registered nurses (RNs) expressed as a percentage of the full-time equivalent (FTE) of total RNs working within each ICU each year, as reported annually to the Critical Care Resources Registry.

RESULTS

Data were examined for 184 ICUs in Australia and New Zealand. During the 6-year study period, 770 747 patients were admitted to these ICUs. Across Australia and New Zealand, the median percentage of registered nursing FTE with a critical care qualification for each ICU (n = 184) was 59.1% (interquartile range [IQR] = 48.9-71.6). The percentage FTE of critical care specialist RNs was highest in private [63.7% (IQR = 52.6-78.2)] and tertiary ICUs [58.1% (IQR = 51.2-70.2)], followed by metropolitan ICUs [56.0% (IQR = 44.5-68.9)] with the lowest in rural/regional hospitals [55.9% (IQR = 44.9-70.0)]. In ICUs with higher percentage FTE of critical care specialist RNs, patients had higher severity of illness, most notably in tertiary and private ICUs. This relationship was persistent across all hospital types when examining subgroups of emergency surgical and medical patients and in multivariable analysis after adjusting for the type of hospital and relative percentage of each diagnostic group.

CONCLUSIONS

In Australian and New Zealand ICUs, the highest acuity patients are cared for by nursing teams with the highest percentage FTE of critical care specialist RNs. The Australian and New Zealand healthcare system has a critical care nursing workforce which scales to meet the acuity of ICU patients across Australia and New Zealand.

Parental satisfaction and its associated factors towards neonatal intensive care unit service: a cross-sectional study

Background

Parental satisfaction is a well-established outcome indicator and tool for assessing a healthcare system’s quality, as well as input for developing strategies for providing acceptable patient care. This study aimed to assess parental satisfaction with neonatal intensive care unit service and its associated factors.

Method

A cross-sectional study design was conducted on parents whose neonates were admitted to the neonatal intensive care unit at Debre Tabor Comprehensive Specialized Hospital, in North Central Ethiopia. Data were collected by adopting an EMPATHIC-N instrument during the day of neonatal discharge, after translating the English version of the instrument to the local language (Amharic). Both Bivariable and multivariable logistic analyses were done to identify factors associated with parental satisfaction with neonatal intensive care unit service. P < 0.05 with 95% CI was considered statistically significant.

Results

The data analysis was done on 385 parents with a response rate of 95.06%. The overall average satisfaction of parents with neonatal intensive care unit service was 47.8% [95% CI= (43.1–52.5)]. The average parental satisfaction of neonatal intensive care unit service in the information dimension was 50.40%; in the care and treatment dimension was 36.9%, in the parental participation dimension was 50.1%, in the organization dimension was 59.0% and the professional attitude dimension was 48.6%. Gender of parents, residency, parental hospital stay, birth weight, and gestational age were factors associated with parental satisfaction.

Conclusion

There was a low level of parental satisfaction with neonatal intensive care unit service. Among the dimensions of EMPATHIC-N, the lowest parental satisfaction score was in the care and treatment while the highest parental satisfaction score was in the organization dimension.

Current stage of the intensive care unit structure in Argentina: results from the Sociedad Argentina de Terapia Intensiva self-assessment survey of intensive care units

OBJECTIVE

To describe and compare the structure of Argentinean intensive care units that completed the "self-assessment survey of intensive care units" developed by the Sociedad Argentina de Terapia Intensiva.

METHODS

An observational crosssectional study was conducted using an online voluntary survey through the Sociedad Argentina de Terapia Intensiva member database and other social media postings. Answers received between December 2018 and July 2020 were analyzed. Descriptive statistics and nonparametric tests were used.

RESULTS

A total of 392 surveys were received, and 244 were considered for the analysis. Seventy-seven percent (187/244) belonged to adult intensive care units, and 23% (57/244) belonged to pediatric intensive care units. The overall completion rate was 76%. The sample included 2,567 ICU beds (adult: 1,981; pediatric: 586). We observed a clear concentration of intensive care units in the Central and Buenos Aires regions of Argentina. The median number of beds was 10 (interquartile range 7 - 15).The median numbers of multiparameter monitors, mechanical ventilators, and pulse oximeters were 1 per bed with no regional or intensive care unit type differences (adult versus pediatric). Although our sample showed that the pediatric intensive care units had a higher mechanical ventilation/bed ratio than the adult intensive care units, this finding was not linearly correlated.

CONCLUSION

Argentina has a notable concentration of critical care beds and better structural complexity in the Buenos Aires and Centro regions for both adult and pediatric intensive care units. In addition, a lack of accurate data reported from the intensive care unit structure and resources was observed. Further improvement opportunities are required to allocate intensive care unit resources at the institutional and regional levels.

Bacterial infections in cirrhosis: Current treatment

Bacterial infections frequently cause decompensating events in cirrhotic patients and are also the most common factor identified for the development of acute-on-chronic liver failure (ACLF). The increase in the prevalence of infections caused by multidrug-resistant (MDR) microorganisms has resulted in the reduced effectiveness of empiric antimicrobial treatment. We conducted a PubMed search from the last 20 years using the Keywords cirrhosis; multidrug-resistant; infections; diagnosis; treatment; prophylaxis; monitoring; sepsis; nutrition and antibiotic resistant. We made a review about bacterial infections among cirrhotic patients; we mainly focus on the description of diagnostic tools; biomarkers; clinical scores for diagnosis and prognosis also; we made an analysis concerning the monitoring of cirrhotic patients with sepsis and finally made some recommendations about the treatment; prophylaxis and prevention.

Telemedicine in the ICU: Innovation in the Critical Care Process

Tele-ICU is a technology-based model designed to deliver effective critical care in the intensive care unit (ICU). The tele-ICU system has been developed to address the increasing demand for intensive care services and the shortage of intensivists. A finite number of intensivists from remote locations provide real-time services to multiple ICUs and assist in the treatment of critically ill patients. Risk prediction algorithms, smart alarm systems, and machine learning tools augment conventional coverage and can potentially improve the quality of care. Tele-ICU is associated with substantial improvements in mortality, reduced hospital and ICU length of stay, and decreased health care costs. Although multiple studies show improved outcomes following the implementation of tele-ICU, results are not consistent. Several factors, including the heterogeneity of tele-ICU infrastructure deployed in different facilities and the reluctance of health care workers to accept tele-ICU, could be associated with these varied results. Considerably high installation and ongoing operational costs might also be limiting the widespread utilization of this innovative service. While we believe that the implementation of tele-ICU offers potential advantages and makes critical care delivery more efficient, further research on the impact of this technology in critical care settings is warranted.

Intensivists in U.S. Acute Care Hospitals

OBJECTIVES

To determine the total numbers of privileged and full-time equivalent intensivists in acute care hospitals with intensivists and compare the characteristics of hospitals with and without intensivists.

DESIGN

Retrospective analysis of the American Hospital Association Annual Survey Database (Fiscal Year 2015).

SETTING

Two-thousand eight-hundred fourteen acute care hospitals with ICU beds.

PATIENTS

None.

INTERVENTIONS

None.

MEASUREMENTS AND MAIN RESULTS

Of the 2,814 acute care hospitals studied, 1,469 (52%) had intensivists and 1,345 (48%) had no intensivists. There were 28,808 privileged and 19,996 full-time equivalent intensivists in the 1,469 hospitals with intensivists. In these hospitals, the median (25-75th percentile) numbers of privileged and full-time equivalent intensivists were 11 (5-24) and 7 (2-17), respectively. Compared with hospitals without intensivists, hospitals with privileged intensivists were primarily located in metropolitan areas (91% vs 50%; p < 0.001) and at the aggregate level had nearly thrice the number of hospital beds (403,522 [75%] vs 137,146 [25%]), 3.6 times the number of ICU beds (74,222 [78%] vs 20,615 [22%]), and almost twice as many ICUs (3,383 [65%] vs 1,846 [35%]). At the hospital level, hospitals with privileged intensivists had significantly more hospital beds (median, 213 vs 68; p < 0.0001), ICU beds (median, 32 vs 8; p < 0.0001), a higher ratio of ICU to hospital beds (15.6% vs 12.6%; p < 0.0001), and a higher number of ICUs per hospital (2 vs 1; p < 0.0001) than hospitals without intensivists.

CONCLUSIONS

Analyzing the intensivist section of the American Hospital Association Annual Survey database is a novel approach to estimating the numbers of privileged and full-time equivalent intensivists in acute care hospitals with ICU beds in the United States. This methodology opens the door to an enhanced understanding of the current supply and distribution of intensivists as well as future research into the intensivist workforce.

ICU mortality and variables associated with ICU survival in Poland: A nationwide database study

BACKGROUND

Recently published international comparison data across European countries revealed high mortality rates in Polish ICUs.

OBJECTIVES

Estimation of the rate of ICU mortality and identification of variables associated with ICU survival in Poland.

DESIGN

Retrospective analyses of a database reporting ICU stays in Poland.

SETTINGS AND PATIENTS

The study included data from all adult patients admitted to an ICU in Poland from 1 January 2012 to 31 December 2012.

MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES

ICU mortality and variables associated with ICU survival.

RESULTS

A total of 48 282 patients were treated in 347 ICUs (mean age 63.1 ± 16.8 years, 59% men) with 20 278 deaths (42.0%). Variables associated with ICU survival were: tertiary level of hospital care [relative risk (RR) 0.86, 95% confidence interval (CI) 0.80 to 0.92, P < 0.001]; high annual patient volume in the ICU (RR 0.9995 patient year, 95% CI 0.9994 to 0.9996, P < 0.001); younger patient age (RR 1.025 year, 95% CI 1.024 to 1.026, P < 0.001); female sex (RR 0.92, 95% CI 0.88 to 0.96; P < 0.001); and lower number of comorbidities (RR 1.33, 95% CI 1.31 to 1.35, P < 0.001).

CONCLUSION

ICU mortality was high in Poland. Structural variables, such as the level of hospital care and annual patient volume, may be associated with ICU survival.

Referral Regions for Time-Sensitive Acute Care Conditions in the United States

STUDY OBJECTIVE

Regional, coordinated care for time-sensitive and high-risk medical conditions is a priority in the United States. A necessary precursor to coordinated regional care is regions that are actionable from clinical and policy standpoints. The Dartmouth Atlas of Health Care, the major health care referral construct in the United States, uses regions that cross state and county boundaries, limiting fiscal or political ownership by key governmental stakeholders in positions to create incentive and regulate regional care coordination. Our objective is to develop and evaluate referral regions that define care patterns for patients with acute myocardial infraction, acute stroke, or trauma, yet also preserve essential political boundaries.

METHODS

We developed a novel set of acute care referral regions using Medicare data in the United States from 2011. For acute myocardial infraction, acute stroke, or trauma, we iteratively aggregated counties according to patient home location and treating hospital address, using a spatial algorithm. We evaluated referral political boundary preservation and spatial accuracy for each set of referral regions.

RESULTS

The new set of referral regions, the Pittsburgh Atlas, had 326 distinct regions. These referral regions did not cross any county or state borders, whereas 43.1% and 98.1% of all Dartmouth Atlas hospital referral regions crossed county and state borders. The Pittsburgh Atlas was comparable to the Dartmouth Atlas in measures of spatial accuracy and identified larger at-risk populations for all 3 conditions.

CONCLUSION

A novel and straightforward spatial algorithm generated referral regions that were politically actionable and accountable for time-sensitive medical emergencies.

Respiratory mechanics, ventilator-associated pneumonia and outcomes in intensive care unit

AIM

To evaluate the predictive capability of respiratory mechanics for the development of ventilator-associated pneumonia (VAP) and mortality in the intensive care unit (ICU) of a hospital in southern Brazil.

METHODS

A cohort study was conducted between, involving a sample of 120 individuals. Static measurements of compliance and resistance of the respiratory system in pressure-controlled ventilation (PCV) and volume-controlled ventilation (VCV) modes in the 1^st and 5^th days of hospitalization were performed to monitor respiratory mechanics. The severity of the patients’ illness was quantified by the Acute Physiology and Chronic Health Evaluation II (APACHE II). The diagnosis of VAP was made based on clinical, radiological and laboratory parameters.

RESULTS

The significant associations found for the development of VAP were APACHE II scores above the average (P = 0.016), duration of MV (P = 0.001) and ICU length of stay above the average (P = 0.003), male gender (P = 0.004), and worsening of respiratory resistance in PCV mode (P = 0.010). Age above the average (P < 0.001), low level of oxygenation on day 1 (P = 0.003) and day 5 (P = 0.004) and low lung compliance during VCV on day 1 (P = 0.032) were associated with death as the outcome.

CONCLUSION

The worsening of airway resistance in PCV mode indicated the possibility of early diagnosis of VAP. Low lung compliance during VCV and low oxygenation index were death-related prognostic indicators.

[Reimbursement of intensive care services in the German DRG system : Current problems and possible solutions]

The reimbursement of intensive care and nursing services in the German health system is based on the diagnosis-related groups (G-DRG) system. Due to the lack of a central hospital planning, the G‑DRG system has become the most important influence on the development of the German health system. Compared to other countries, intensive care in Germany is characterized by a high number of intensive care beds, a low nurse-to-patient ratio, no official definition of the level of care, and a minimal available data set from intensive care units (ICUs). Under the given circumstances, a shortage of qualified intensive care nurses and physicians is currently the largest threat for intensive care in Germany. To address these deficiencies, we suggest the following measures: (1) Integration of ICUs into the levels of care which are currently developed for emergency centers at hospitals. (2) Mandatory collection of structured data sets from all ICUs including quality criteria. (3) A reform of intensive care and nursing reimbursement under consideration of adequate staffing in the individual ICU. (4) Actions to improve ICU staffing and qualification.

Identifying Distinct Subgroups of ICU Patients: A Machine Learning Approach

OBJECTIVES

Identifying subgroups of ICU patients with similar clinical needs and trajectories may provide a framework for more efficient ICU care through the design of care platforms tailored around patients' shared needs. However, objective methods for identifying these ICU patient subgroups are lacking. We used a machine learning approach to empirically identify ICU patient subgroups through clustering analysis and evaluate whether these groups might represent appropriate targets for care redesign efforts.

DESIGN

We performed clustering analysis using data from patients' hospital stays to retrospectively identify patient subgroups from a large, heterogeneous ICU population.

SETTING

Kaiser Permanente Northern California, a healthcare delivery system serving 3.9 million members.

PATIENTS

ICU patients 18 years old or older with an ICU admission between January 1, 2012, and December 31, 2012, at one of 21 Kaiser Permanente Northern California hospitals.

INTERVENTIONS

None.

MEASUREMENTS AND MAIN RESULTS

We used clustering analysis to identify putative clusters among 5,000 patients randomly selected from 24,884 ICU patients. To assess cluster validity, we evaluated the distribution and frequency of patient characteristics and the need for invasive therapies. We then applied a classifier built from the sample cohort to the remaining 19,884 patients to compare the derivation and validation clusters. Clustering analysis successfully identified six clinically recognizable subgroups that differed significantly in all baseline characteristics and clinical trajectories, despite sharing common diagnoses. In the validation cohort, the proportion of patients assigned to each cluster was similar and demonstrated significant differences across clusters for all variables.

CONCLUSIONS

A machine learning approach revealed important differences between empirically derived subgroups of ICU patients that are not typically revealed by admitting diagnosis or severity of illness alone. Similar data-driven approaches may provide a framework for future organizational innovations in ICU care tailored around patients' shared needs.

Implementation of an electronic checklist in the ICU: Association with improved outcomes

OBJECTIVE

To assess the impact of an electronic checklist during the morning rounds on ventilator-associated pneumonia (VAP) in the intensive care unit (ICU).

PATIENTS AND METHODS

We conducted a retrospective, before/after study in a single ICU of a university hospital. A systematic electronic checklist focusing on guidelines adherence was introduced in January 2012. From January 2008 to June 2014, we screened patients with ICU stay durations of at least 48hours. Propensity score-matched analysis with conditional logistic regression was used to compare the rate of VAP and number of days free of invasive devices before and after implementation of the electronic checklist.

RESULTS

We analysed 1711 patients (before group, n=761; after group, n=950). The rates of VAP were 21% and 11% in the before and after groups, respectively (p<0.001). In propensity-score matched analysis (n=742 in each group), VAP occurred in 151 patients (21%) during the before period compared with 72 patients (10%) during the after period (odds ratio [OR]=0.38; 95% confidence interval [CI]=0.27-0.53). The after group showed increases in ICU-free days (OR=1.05; 95% CI=1.04-1.07) and mechanical ventilation-free days (OR=1.03; 95% CI=1.01-1.04).

CONCLUSION

In this matched before/after study, implementation of an electronic checklist was associated with positive effects on patient outcomes, especially on VAP. Further prospective studies are needed to confirm these observations.

Risk for Cardiorespiratory Instability Following Transfer to a Monitored Step-Down Unit

BACKGROUND

Hospitalized patients who develop at least one instance of cardiorespiratory instability (CRI) have poorer outcomes. We sought to describe the admission characteristics, drivers, and time to onset of initial CRI events in monitored step-down unit (SDU) patients.

METHODS

Admission characteristics and continuous monitoring data (frequency 1/20 Hz) were recorded in 307 subjects. Vital sign deviations beyond local instability trigger threshold criteria, with a tolerance of 40 s and cumulative duration of 4 of 5 min, were classified as CRI events. The CRI driver was defined as the first vital sign to cross a threshold and meet persistence criteria. Time to onset of initial CRI was the number of days from SDU admission to initial CRI, and duration was length of the initial CRI epoch.

RESULTS

Subjects transferred to the SDU from units with higher monitoring capability were more likely to develop CRI (CRI n = 133 [44%] vs no CRI n = 174 [31%] P = .042). Time to onset varied according to the CRI driver. Subjects with at least one CRI event had a longer hospital stay (CRI 11.3 ± 10.2 d vs no CRI 7.8 ± 9.2 d, P < .001) and SDU stay (CRI 6.1 ± 4.9 d vs no CRI 3.5 ± 2.9 d, P < .001). First events were more often due to S_pO2 , whereas breathing frequency was the most common driver of all CRI.

CONCLUSIONS

Initial CRI most commonly occurred due to S_pO2 and was associated with prolonged SDU and hospital stay. Findings suggest the need for clinicians to more closely monitor SDU patients transferred from an ICU and parameters (S_pO2 , breathing frequency) that more commonly precede CRI events.

Introduction of microsystems in a level 3 neonatal intensive care unit-an interprofessional approach

Background

Growth of neonatal intensive care units in number and size has raised questions towards ability to maintain continuity and quality of care. Structural organization of intensive care units is known as a key element for maintaining the quality of care of these fragile patients. The reconstruction of megaunits of intensive care to smaller care units within a single operational service might help with provision of safe and effective care.

Methods/Design

The clinical team and patient distribution lay out, admission and discharge criteria and interdisciplinary round model was reorganized to follow the microstructure philosophy. A working group met weekly to formulate the implementation planning, to review the adaptation and adjustment process and to ascertain the quality of implementation following the initiation of the microsystem model.

Discussion

In depth examination of microsystem model of care in this study, provides systematic evaluation of this model on variable aspects of health care. The individual projects of this trial can be source of solid evidence for guidance of future decisions on optimized model of care for the critically ill newborns.

Trial registration

ClinicalTrial.gov, NCT02912780. Retrospectively registered on 22 September 2016.

Telemedicine with clinical decision support for critical care: a systematic review

BACKGROUND

Telemedicine applications aim to address variance in clinical outcomes and increase access to specialist expertise. Despite widespread implementation, there is little robust evidence about cost-effectiveness, clinical benefits, and impact on quality and safety of critical care telemedicine. The primary objective was to determine the impact of critical care telemedicine (with clinical decision support available 24/7) on intensive care unit (ICU) and hospital mortality and length of stay in adults and children. The secondary objectives included staff and patient experience, costs, protocol adherence, and adverse events.

METHODS

Data sources included MEDLINE, EMBASE, CINAHL, Cochrane Library databases, Health Technology Assessment Database, Web of Science, OpenGrey, OpenDOAR, and the HMIC through to December 2015. Randomised controlled trials and quasi-experimental studies were eligible for inclusion. Eligible studies reported on differences between groups using the telemedicine intervention and standard care. Two review authors screened abstracts and assessed potentially eligible studies using Cochrane guidance.

RESULTS

Two controlled before-after studies met the inclusion criteria. Both were assessed as high risk of bias. Meta-analysis was not possible as we were unable to disaggregate data between the two studies. One study used a non-randomised stepped-wedge design in seven ICUs. Hospital mortality was the primary outcome which showed a reduction from 13.6 % (CI, 11.9-15.4 %) to 11.8 % (CI, 10.9-12.8 %) during the intervention period with an adjusted odds ratio (OR) of 0.40 (95 % CI, 0.31-0.52; p = .005). The second study used a non-randomised, unblinded, pre-/post-assessment of telemedicine interventions in 56 adult ICUs. Hospital mortality (primary outcome) reduced from 11 to 10 % (adjusted hazard ratio (HR) = 0.84; CI, 0.78-0.89; p = <.001).

CONCLUSIONS

This review highlights the poor methodological quality of most studies investigating critical care telemedicine. The results of the two included studies showed a reduction in hospital mortality in patients receiving the intervention. Further multi-site randomised controlled trials or quasi-experimental studies with accompanying process evaluations are urgently needed to determine effectiveness, implementation, and associated costs.

TRIAL REGISTRATION

PROSPERO CRD42014007406.

Effects of Organizational Characteristics on Outcomes and Resource Use in Patients With Cancer Admitted to Intensive Care Units

PURPOSE

To investigate the impact of organizational characteristics and processes of care on hospital mortality and resource use in patients with cancer admitted to intensive care units (ICUs).

PATIENTS AND METHODS

We performed a retrospective cohort study of 9,946 patients with cancer (solid, n = 8,956; hematologic, n = 990) admitted to 70 ICUs (51 located in general hospitals and 19 in cancer centers) during 2013. We retrieved patients' clinical and outcome data from an electronic ICU quality registry. We surveyed ICUs regarding structure, organization, staffing patterns, and processes of care. We used mixed multivariable logistic regression analysis to identify characteristics associated with hospital mortality and efficient resource use in the ICU.

RESULTS

Median number of patients with cancer per center was 110 (interquartile range, 58 to 154), corresponding to 17.9% of all ICU admissions. ICU and hospital mortality rates were 15.9% and 25.4%, respectively. After adjusting for relevant patient characteristics, presence of clinical pharmacists in the ICU (odds ratio [OR], 0.67; 95% CI, 0.49 to 0.90), number of protocols (OR, 0.92; 95% CI, 0.87 to 0.98), and daily meetings between oncologists and intensivists for care planning (OR, 0.69; 95% CI, 0.52 to 0.91) were associated with lower mortality. Implementation of protocols (OR, 1.52; 95% CI, 1.11 to 2.07) and meetings between oncologists and intensivists (OR, 4.70; 95% CI, 1.15 to 19.22) were also independently associated with more efficient resource use. Neither admission to ICUs in cancer centers compared with general hospitals nor annual case volume had an impact on mortality or resource use.

CONCLUSION

Organizational aspects, namely the implementation of protocols and presence of clinical pharmacists in the ICU, and close collaboration between oncologists and ICU teams are targets to improve mortality and resource use in critically ill patients with cancer.

A Conceptual Framework for Improving Critical Care Patient Flow and Bed Use

RATIONALE

High demand for intensive care unit (ICU) services and limited bed availability have prompted hospitals to address capacity planning challenges. Simulation modeling can examine ICU bed assignment policies, accounting for patient acuity, to reduce ICU admission delays.

OBJECTIVES

To provide a framework for data-driven modeling of ICU patient flow, identify key measurable outcomes, and present illustrative analysis demonstrating the impact of various bed allocation scenarios on outcomes.

METHODS

A description of key inputs for constructing a queuing model was outlined, and an illustrative simulation model was developed to reflect current triage protocol within the medical ICU and step-down unit (SDU) at a single tertiary-care hospital. Patient acuity, arrival rate, and unit length of stay, consisting of a "service time" and "time to transfer," were estimated from 12 months of retrospective data (n = 2,710 adult patients) for 36 ICU and 15 SDU staffed beds. Patient priority was based on acuity and whether the patient originated in the emergency department. The model simulated the following hypothetical scenarios: (1) varied ICU/SDU sizes, (2) reserved ICU beds as a triage strategy, (3) lower targets for time to transfer out of the ICU, and (4) ICU expansion by up to four beds. Outcomes included ICU admission wait times and unit occupancy.

MEASUREMENTS AND MAIN RESULTS

With current bed allocation, simulated wait time averaged 1.13 (SD, 1.39) hours. Reallocating all SDU beds as ICU decreased overall wait times by 7.2% to 1.06 (SD, 1.39) hours and increased bed occupancy from 80 to 84%. Reserving the last available bed for acute patients reduced wait times for acute patients from 0.84 (SD, 1.12) to 0.31 (SD, 0.30) hours, but tripled subacute patients' wait times from 1.39 (SD, 1.81) to 4.27 (SD, 5.44) hours. Setting transfer times to wards for all ICU/SDU patients to 1 hour decreased wait times for incoming ICU patients, comparable to building one to two additional ICU beds.

CONCLUSIONS

Hospital queuing and simulation modeling with empiric data inputs can evaluate how changes in ICU bed assignment could impact unit occupancy levels and patient wait times. Trade-offs associated with dedicating resources for acute patients versus expanding capacity for all patients can be examined.

Impact of telemedicine in hospital culture and its consequences on quality of care and safety

OBJECTIVE

To describe the impact of the telemedicine application on the clinical process of care and its different effects on hospital culture and healthcare practice.

METHODS

The concept of telemedicine through real time audio-visual coverage was implemented at two different hospitals in São Paulo: a secondary and public hospital, Hospital Municipal Dr. Moysés Deutsch, and a tertiary and private hospital, Hospital Israelita Albert Einstein.

RESULTS

Data were obtained from 257 teleconsultations records over a 12-month period and were compared to a similar period before telemedicine implementation. For 18 patients (7.1%) telemedicine consultation influenced in diagnosis conclusion, and for 239 patients (92.9%), the consultation contributed to clinical management. After telemedicine implementation, stroke thrombolysis protocol was applied in 11% of ischemic stroke patients. Telemedicine approach reduced the need to transfer the patient to another hospital in 25.9% regarding neurological evaluation. Sepsis protocol were adopted and lead to a 30.4% reduction mortality regarding severe sepsis.

CONCLUSION

The application is associated with differences in the use of health services: emergency transfers, mortality, implementation of protocols and patient management decisions, especially regarding thrombolysis. These results highlight the role of telemedicine as a vector for transformation of hospital culture impacting on the safety and quality of care.

Organizational characteristics, outcomes, and resource use in 78 Brazilian intensive care units: the ORCHESTRA study

PURPOSE

Detailed information on organization and process of care in intensive care units (ICU) in emerging countries is scarce. Here, we investigated the impact of organizational factors on the outcomes and resource use in a large sample of Brazilian ICUs.

METHODS

Retrospective cohort study of 59,693 patients (medical admissions, 67 %) admitted to 78 ICUs during 2013. We retrieved patients' data from an ICU quality registry and surveyed ICUs regarding structure, organization, staffing patterns, and process of care. We used multilevel logistic regression analysis to identify factors associated with hospital mortality. Efficient resource use was assessed by estimating standardized resource use and mortality rates adjusted for the SAPS 3 score.

RESULTS

ICUs were mostly medical-surgical (79 %) and located at private hospitals (86 %). Median nurse to bed ratio was 0.20 (IQR, 0.15-0.28) and board-certified intensivists were present 24/7 in 16 (21 %) of ICUs. Multidisciplinary rounds occurred in 67 (86 %) and daily checklists were used in 36 (46 %) ICUs. Most frequent protocols focused on sepsis management and prevention of healthcare-associated infections. Hospital mortality was 14.4 %. In multivariable analysis, the number of protocols was the only organizational characteristic associated with mortality [odds ratio = 0.944 (95 % CI 0.904-0.987)]. The effects of protocols were consistent across subgroups including surgical and medical patients as well as the SAPS 3 tertiles. We also observed a significant trend toward efficient resource use as the number of protocols increased.

CONCLUSIONS

In emerging countries such as Brazil, organizational factors, including the implementation of protocols, are potential targets to improve patient outcomes and resource use in ICUs.

Workplace Blame and Related Concepts: An Analysis of Three Case Studies

Blame has been thought to affect quality by decreasing error reporting. Very little is known about the incidence, characteristics, or consequences of the distress caused by being blamed. Blame-related distress (B-RD) may be related to moral distress, but may also be a factor in burnout, compassion fatigue, lateral violence, and second-victim syndrome. The purpose of this article is to explore these related concepts through a literature review applied to three index critical care clinician cases.

Using barriers analysis to refine a novel model of neurocritical care

BACKGROUND

In order to deliver specialized neurocritical care (NCC) without a dedicated neurological intensive care unit (ICU), we established a virtual NCC unit within an existing mixed level III ICU. This initiative required changes to patient allocation, physician staffing, and care protocols. In advance of its implementation, we gaged readiness, assessed barriers, and solicited feedback from staff.

METHODS

Clinicians at our academic hospital and trauma centre in Toronto, Ontario were the subjects of this concurrent mixed methods study. Eighteen stakeholders were individually interviewed. 116 of 217 eligible ICU staff participated in the survey and 36 staff attended the focus group sessions.

RESULTS

From the survey, the most significant barriers to this reorganization were staff anxiety about coping (28 %) and a concern that patients would not receive better care (24 %). Noteworthy obstacles about the use of protocols were their lack of flexibility (19 %) and that implementation was seen as impractical (16 %). Seventeen barriers were proposed through an open-ended survey question. Content analysis revealed general resistance, educational challenges, workflow adjustment to a diagnosis-based rounding pattern and coordination conflicts to be the central barriers. These findings were confirmed in focus group discussions, with a lack of resources as an additional important challenge.

CONCLUSIONS

A new workable model for NCC has been developed, facilitated by this analysis. Steps to overcome barriers demonstrated in this study include additional educational measures, changes to the rounding protocols, and patient allocation algorithms.

Improved analgesia, sedation, and delirium protocol associated with decreased duration of delirium and mechanical ventilation

RATIONALE

Introduction of sedation protocols has been associated with improved patient outcomes. It is not known if an update to an existing high-quality sedation protocol, featuring increased patient assessment and reduced benzodiazepine exposure, is associated with improved patient process and outcome quality metrics.

METHODS

This was an observational before (n = 703) and after (n = 780) cohort study of mechanically ventilated patients in a 24-bed trauma-surgical intensive care unit (ICU) from 2009 to 2011. The three main protocol updates were: (1) requirement to document Richmond Agitation Sedation Scale (RASS) scores every 4 hours, (2) requirement to document Confusion Assessment Method-ICU (CAM ICU) twice daily, and (3) systematic, protocolized deescalation of excess sedation. Multivariable linear regression was used for the primary analysis. The primary outcome was the duration of mechanical ventilation. Prespecified secondary endpoints included days of delirium; the frequency of patient assessment with the RASS and CAM-ICU instruments; benzodiazepine dosing; durations of mechanical ventilation, ICU stay, and hospitalization; and hospital mortality and ventilator associated pneumonia rate.

RESULTS

Patients in the updated protocol cohort had 1.22 more RASS assessments per day (5.38 vs. 4.16; 95% confidence interval [CI], 1.05-1.39; P < 0.01) and 1.15 more CAM-ICU assessments per day (1.49 vs. 0.35; 95% CI, 1.08-1.21; P < 0.01) than the baseline cohort. The mean hourly benzodiazepine dose decreased by 34.8% (0.08 mg lorazepam equivalents/h; 0.15 vs. 0.23; P < 0.01). In the multivariable model, the median duration of mechanical ventilation decreased by 17.6% (95% CI, 0.6-31.7%; P = 0.04). The overall odds ratio of delirium was 0.67 (95% CI, 0.49-0.91; P = 0.01) comparing updated versus baseline cohort. A 12.4% reduction in median duration of ICU stay (95% CI, 0.5-22.8%; P = 0.04) and a 14.0% reduction in median duration of hospitalization (95% CI, 2.0-24.5%; P = 0.02) were also seen. No significant association with mortality (odds ratio, 1.18; 95% CI, 0.80-1.76; P = 0.40) was seen.

CONCLUSIONS

Implementation of an updated ICU analgesia, sedation, and delirium protocol was associated with an increase in RASS and CAM-ICU assessment and documentation; reduced hourly benzodiazepine dose; and decreased delirium and median durations of mechanical ventilation, ICU stay, and hospitalization.

The role of stepdown beds in hospital care

Stepdown beds provide an intermediate level of care for patients with requirements somewhere between that of the general ward and the intensive care unit. Models of care include incorporation of stepdown beds into intensive care units, stand-alone units, or incorporation of beds into standard wards. Stepdown beds may be used to provide a higher level of care for patients deteriorating on a ward ("step-up"), a lower level of care for patients transitioning out of intensive care ("stepdown") or a lateral transfer of care from a recovery room for postoperative patients. These units are one possible strategy to improve critical care cost-effectiveness and patient flow without compromising quality, but these potential benefits remain primarily theoretical as few patient-level studies provide concrete evidence. This narrative review provides a general overview of the theory of stepdown beds in the care of hospitalized patients and a summary of what is known about their impact on patient flow and outcomes and highlights areas for future research.

Automated versus non-automated weaning for reducing the duration of mechanical ventilation for critically ill adults and children

BACKGROUND

Automated closed loop systems may improve adaptation of mechanical support for a patient's ventilatory needs and facilitate systematic and early recognition of their ability to breathe spontaneously and the potential for discontinuation of ventilation. This review was originally published in 2013 with an update published in 2014.

OBJECTIVES

The primary objective for this review was to compare the total duration of weaning from mechanical ventilation, defined as the time from study randomization to successful extubation (as defined by study authors), for critically ill ventilated patients managed with an automated weaning system versus no automated weaning system (usual care).Secondary objectives for this review were to determine differences in the duration of ventilation, intensive care unit (ICU) and hospital lengths of stay (LOS), mortality, and adverse events related to early or delayed extubation with the use of automated weaning systems compared to weaning in the absence of an automated weaning system.

SEARCH METHODS

We searched the Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials (CENTRAL) (The Cochrane Library 2013, Issue 8); MEDLINE (OvidSP) (1948 to September 2013); EMBASE (OvidSP) (1980 to September 2013); CINAHL (EBSCOhost) (1982 to September 2013); and the Latin American and Caribbean Health Sciences Literature (LILACS). Relevant published reviews were sought using the Database of Abstracts of Reviews of Effects (DARE) and the Health Technology Assessment Database (HTA Database). We also searched the Web of Science Proceedings; conference proceedings; trial registration websites; and reference lists of relevant articles. The original search was run in August 2011, with database auto-alerts up to August 2012.

SELECTION CRITERIA

We included randomized controlled trials comparing automated closed loop ventilator applications to non-automated weaning strategies including non-protocolized usual care and protocolized weaning in patients over four weeks of age receiving invasive mechanical ventilation in an ICU.

DATA COLLECTION AND ANALYSIS

Two authors independently extracted study data and assessed risk of bias. We combined data in forest plots using random-effects modelling. Subgroup and sensitivity analyses were conducted according to a priori criteria.

MAIN RESULTS

We included 21 trials (19 adult, two paediatric) totaling 1676 participants (1628 adults, 48 children) in this updated review. Pooled data from 16 eligible trials reporting weaning duration indicated that automated closed loop systems reduced the geometric mean duration of weaning by 30% (95% confidence interval (CI) 13% to 45%), however heterogeneity was substantial (I(2) = 87%, P < 0.00001). Reduced weaning duration was found with mixed or medical ICU populations (42%, 95% CI 10% to 63%) and Smartcare/PS™ (28%, 95% CI 7% to 49%) but not in surgical populations or using other systems. Automated closed loop systems reduced the duration of ventilation (10%, 95% CI 3% to 16%) and ICU LOS (8%, 95% CI 0% to 15%). There was no strong evidence of an effect on mortality rates, hospital LOS, reintubation rates, self-extubation and use of non-invasive ventilation following extubation. Prolonged mechanical ventilation > 21 days and tracheostomy were reduced in favour of automated systems (relative risk (RR) 0.51, 95% CI 0.27 to 0.95 and RR 0.67, 95% CI 0.50 to 0.90 respectively). Overall the quality of the evidence was high with the majority of trials rated as low risk.

AUTHORS' CONCLUSIONS

Automated closed loop systems may result in reduced duration of weaning, ventilation and ICU stay. Reductions are more likely to occur in mixed or medical ICU populations. Due to the lack of, or limited, evidence on automated systems other than Smartcare/PS™ and Adaptive Support Ventilation no conclusions can be drawn regarding their influence on these outcomes. Due to substantial heterogeneity in trials there is a need for an adequately powered, high quality, multi-centre randomized controlled trial in adults that excludes 'simple to wean' patients. There is a pressing need for further technological development and research in the paediatric population.

[Implementation of morbidity and mortality conferences in French intensive care units: a survey]

OBJECTIVE

A national survey was conducted by the "Collège français d'anesthésie et de réanimation (CFAR)" and the "Collège des bonnes pratiques en réanimation (CBPR)", to analyze the implementation of morbidity and mortality conferences (MMCs) in French intensive care units (ICUs).

STUDY DESIGN

An electronic questionnaire was set up. We directed the survey at French ICUs physicians registered in the two Colleges directories, only one form was filled in by each participating unit.

RESULTS

From December 2009 to February 2010, Among the 170 replies, 120 ICUs (71%) practiced MMC. No difference in the typology of the two groups was found. The median annual number of MMCs was 4 per year (1-15). The perimeter of the MMCs concerned only the ICU unit in 70 cases (58%), more than one ICU unit in the same department in 11 cases (9.8%), more than one department of ICU in 16 cases (13%) and other departments in 57 cases (48%). The events analyzed were: all deaths in 45 cases (37.5%), unexpected deaths in 50 cases (41.7%), severe adverse events in 67 cases (55.8%) and other events in 19 cases (15.8%). At least one adverse event defined by the two colleges in the process of "accreditation" was analyzed in 86 cases (72%). Participation of a physician of at least one other unit was reported in 56 cases (47%) and of medical students in 62 cases (52%). The low rate of participation of ICU nurses was reported in 62 cases (69.2%) and their absence in 35 cases (29%). MMCs consequences were drafting of new procedure in 99 cases (83%), changes in procedures in 75 cases (63%), conducting training programs in 60 cases (50%), organizational changes in 86 cases (72%), adverse event declaration in 21 cases (18%) and monitoring indicators in 40 cases (33%). Among units which did not practice MMCs, Identified obstacles were organizational causes in 25 cases (50%), inexperience in seven cases (14%), lack of methodology in 4 cases (8%), realization of other methods of formative assessment in 4 cases (8%) and physician's refusal in three cases (6%). The fear of medico-legal problem was never reported as a barrier to MMCs practice. Forty-five units (90%) projected to practice MMR.

CONCLUSION

This survey showed that the practice of MMR is common in French ICUs, allowing the identification of organizational problems, but also of training needs, joining one of the initial concerns that have led to their implementation. Expanding the participation to non-physician members of the units should be encouraged, without underestimating the difficulties particularly in the organizational domains that represent an obstacle to development of MMCs.

A strategy to enhance the safety and efficiency of handovers of ICU patients: study protocol of the pICUp study

Background

To use intensive care unit (ICU) facilities efficiently and ensure high quality of care, an optimal patient flow is necessary. Discharging patients relieves the pressure on ICU beds but the risk of premature discharge must be managed carefully. Suboptimal patient discharge may result in ICU readmissions and in patients’ death.

The aim of this study is to obtain insight into the safety and efficiency of current ICU discharge practices and into barriers and facilitators to the implementation of effective ICU discharge interventions, and to develop an implementation strategy tailored to the barriers and facilitators identified.

Methods/design

This study exists of five phases. Phase A: analysis of routinely registered data on variation in ICU readmissions and hospital mortality after ICU discharge of all ICUs participating in the Dutch National Intensive Care Evaluation registry (n = 83). Phase B: systematic review of effective interventions aiming to improve the efficiency and safety of the ICU discharge process. Phase C: assessing the intervention adherence with a questionnaire survey among all Dutch ICUs (n = 90). Phase D: assessing barriers and facilitators to the implementation of effective ICU discharge interventions with a questionnaire survey among all Dutch intensivists (n = 700). The questionnaire will be based on barriers and facilitators identified by focus groups (n = 4) and individual interviews with professionals of ICUs and general wards and adult discharged ICU patients (n = 25 to 30). Phase E: systematic development of an implementation strategy based on the sampled data in phase A to D, and effective implementation strategies from the literature using the intervention mapping method.

Discussion

Using theory and empirical data, an implementation strategy will be developed to improve the safety and efficiency of the ICU discharge process. The developed strategy will be evaluated in a subsequent study. The knowledge obtained in this study should be used for further implementation of ICU discharge interventions, and can be used for implementation of handover interventions in other healthcare transition settings.

Automated versus non-automated weaning for reducing the duration of mechanical ventilation for critically ill adults and children

BACKGROUND

Automated closed loop systems may improve adaptation of the mechanical support to a patient's ventilatory needs and facilitate systematic and early recognition of their ability to breathe spontaneously and the potential for discontinuation of ventilation.

OBJECTIVES

To compare the duration of weaning from mechanical ventilation for critically ill ventilated adults and children when managed with automated closed loop systems versus non-automated strategies. Secondary objectives were to determine differences in duration of ventilation, intensive care unit (ICU) and hospital length of stay (LOS), mortality, and adverse events.

SEARCH METHODS

We searched the Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials (CENTRAL) (The Cochrane Library 2011, Issue 2); MEDLINE (OvidSP) (1948 to August 2011); EMBASE (OvidSP) (1980 to August 2011); CINAHL (EBSCOhost) (1982 to August 2011); and the Latin American and Caribbean Health Sciences Literature (LILACS). In addition we received and reviewed auto-alerts for our search strategy in MEDLINE, EMBASE, and CINAHL up to August 2012. Relevant published reviews were sought using the Database of Abstracts of Reviews of Effects (DARE) and the Health Technology Assessment Database (HTA Database). We also searched the Web of Science Proceedings; conference proceedings; trial registration websites; and reference lists of relevant articles.

SELECTION CRITERIA

We included randomized controlled trials comparing automated closed loop ventilator applications to non-automated weaning strategies including non-protocolized usual care and protocolized weaning in patients over four weeks of age receiving invasive mechanical ventilation in an intensive care unit (ICU).

DATA COLLECTION AND ANALYSIS

Two authors independently extracted study data and assessed risk of bias. We combined data into forest plots using random-effects modelling. Subgroup and sensitivity analyses were conducted according to a priori criteria.

MAIN RESULTS

Pooled data from 15 eligible trials (14 adult, one paediatric) totalling 1173 participants (1143 adults, 30 children) indicated that automated closed loop systems reduced the geometric mean duration of weaning by 32% (95% CI 19% to 46%, P = 0.002), however heterogeneity was substantial (I(2) = 89%, P < 0.00001). Reduced weaning duration was found with mixed or medical ICU populations (43%, 95% CI 8% to 65%, P = 0.02) and Smartcare/PS™ (31%, 95% CI 7% to 49%, P = 0.02) but not in surgical populations or using other systems. Automated closed loop systems reduced the duration of ventilation (17%, 95% CI 8% to 26%) and ICU length of stay (LOS) (11%, 95% CI 0% to 21%). There was no difference in mortality rates or hospital LOS. Overall the quality of evidence was high with the majority of trials rated as low risk.

AUTHORS' CONCLUSIONS

Automated closed loop systems may result in reduced duration of weaning, ventilation, and ICU stay. Reductions are more likely to occur in mixed or medical ICU populations. Due to the lack of, or limited, evidence on automated systems other than Smartcare/PS™ and Adaptive Support Ventilation no conclusions can be drawn regarding their influence on these outcomes. Due to substantial heterogeneity in trials there is a need for an adequately powered, high quality, multi-centre randomized controlled trial in adults that excludes 'simple to wean' patients. There is a pressing need for further technological development and research in the paediatric population.

The evolving model of pediatric critical care delivery in North America

The past 50 years have witnessed the emergence and evolution of the modern pediatric ICU and the specialty of pediatric critical care medicine. ICUs have become key in the delivery of health care services. The patient population within pediatric ICUs is diverse. An assortment of providers, including intensivists, trainees, physician assistants, nurse practitioners, and hospitalists, perform a variety of roles. The evolution of critical care medicine also has seen the rise of critical care nursing and other critical care staff collaborating in multidisciplinary teams. Delivery of optimal critical care requires standardized, reliable, and evidence-based processes, such as bundles, checklists, and formalized communication processes.

Mortality and intensive care volume in ventilated patients from 1995 to 2009 in the Australian and New Zealand binational adult patient intensive care database*

OBJECTIVES

The mortality outcome of mechanical ventilation, a key intervention in the critically ill, has been variously reported to be determined by intensive care patient volume. We determined the volume-(mortality)-outcome relationship of mechanically ventilated patients whose records were contributed to the Australian and New Zealand Intensive Care Society Adult Patient Database.

DESIGN, SETTING, AND PARTICIPANTS

Retrospective cohort study of 208,810 index patient admissions from 136 Australian and New Zealand intensive care units in the same number of hospitals over the course of 1995-2009.

MEASUREMENTS AND MAIN RESULTS

The patient-volume effect on hospital mortality, overall and at the level of patient (nonsurgical, elective surgical, and emergency surgical) and intensive care unit (rural/regional, metropolitan, tertiary, and private) descriptors, was determined by random-effects logistic regression adjusting for illness severity and demographic and geographical predictors. Annualized patient volume was modeled both as a categorical (deciles) and, with calendar year, a continuous variable using fractional polynomials. The patients were of mean age of 59 yrs (SD, 19 yrs), Acute Physiology and Chronic Health Evaluation III score 66 (32), and 39.4% female, with a hospital mortality of 22.4%. Overall and at both the patient and intensive care unit descriptor levels, no progressive decline in mortality was demonstrated across the annual patient volume range (12-932). Over the whole database, mortality odds ratio for the last volume decile (801-932 patients) was 1.26 (95% confidence interval, 1.06-1.50; p = .009) compared with the first volume decile (12-101 patients). Calendar year mortality decreases were evident (odds ratio, 0.96; 95% confidence interval, 0.94-0.98; p = .0001). Using fractional polynomials, modest curvilinear mortality increases (range, 5%-8%) across the volume range were noted over the whole database for nonsurgical patients and at the tertiary intensive care unit level.

CONCLUSION

No inverse volume-(mortality)-outcome relationship was apparent for ventilated patients in the Australian and New Zealand Intensive Care Society database. Mechanisms for mortality increments with patient volume were not identified but warrant further study.

Safety of routine early MRI in preterm infants

BACKGROUND

Cerebral MRI performed on preterm infants at term-equivalent 30 weeks' gestational age (GA) is increasingly performed as part of standard clinical care.

OBJECTIVE

We evaluated safety of these early MRI procedures.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

We retrospectively collected data on patient safety of preterm infants who underwent early MRI scans. Data were collected at fixed times before and after the MRI scan. MRI procedures were carried out according to a comprehensive guideline.

RESULTS

A total of 52 infants underwent an MRI scan at 30 weeks' GA. Although no serious adverse events occurred and vital parameters remained stable during the procedure, minor adverse events were encountered in 26 infants (50%). The MRI was terminated in three infants (5.8%) because of respiratory instability. Increased respiratory support within 24 h after the MRI was necessary for 12 infants (23.1%) and was significantly associated with GA, birth weight and the mode of respiratory support. Hypothermia (core temperature < 36°C) occurred in nine infants (17.3%). Temperature dropped significantly after the MRI scan.

CONCLUSION

Minor adverse events after MRI procedures at 30 weeks GA were common and should not be underestimated. A dedicated and comprehensive guideline for MRI procedures in preterm infants is essential.

Decisional responsibility for mechanical ventilation and weaning: an international survey

Introduction

Optimal management of mechanical ventilation and weaning requires dynamic and collaborative decision making to minimize complications and avoid delays in the transition to extubation. In the absence of collaboration, ventilation decision making may be fragmented, inconsistent, and delayed. Our objective was to describe the professional group with responsibility for key ventilation and weaning decisions and to examine organizational characteristics associated with nurse involvement.

Methods

A multi-center, cross-sectional, self-administered survey was sent to nurse managers of adult intensive care units (ICUs) in Denmark, Germany, Greece, Italy, Norway, Switzerland, Netherlands and United Kingdom (UK). We summarized data as proportions (95% confidence intervals (CIs)) and calculated odds ratios (OR) to examine ICU organizational variables associated with collaborative decision making.

Results

Response rates ranged from 39% (UK) to 92% (Switzerland), providing surveys from 586 ICUs. Interprofessional collaboration (nurses and physicians) was the most common approach to initial selection of ventilator settings (63% (95% CI 59 to 66)), determination of extubation readiness (71% (67 to 75)), weaning method (73% (69 to 76)), recognition of weaning failure (84% (81 to 87)) and weaning readiness (85% (82 to 87)), and titration of ventilator settings (88% (86 to 91)). A nurse-to-patient ratio other than 1:1 was associated with decreased interprofessional collaboration during titration of ventilator settings (OR 0.2, 95% CI 0.1 to 0.6), weaning method (0.4 (0.2 to 0.9)), determination of extubation readiness (0.5 (0.2 to 0.9)) and weaning failure (0.4 (0.1 to 1.0)). Use of a weaning protocol was associated with increased collaborative decision making for determining weaning (1.8 (1.0 to 3.3)) and extubation readiness (1.9 (1.2 to 3.0)), and weaning method (1.8 (1.1 to 3.0). Country of ICU location influenced the profile of responsibility for all decisions. Automated weaning modes were used in 55% of ICUs.

Conclusions

Collaborative decision making for ventilation and weaning was employed in most ICUs in all countries although this was influenced by nurse-to-patient ratio, presence of a protocol, and varied across countries. Potential clinical implications of a lack of collaboration include delayed adaptation of ventilation to changing physiological parameters, and delayed recognition of weaning and extubation readiness resulting in unnecessary prolongation of ventilation.

Economics of ICU organization and management

The intensive care unit (ICU) is a complex system and the economic implications of altering care patterns in the ICU can be difficult to unravel. Few studies have specifically examined the economics of implementing organizational and management changes or acknowledged the many competing economic interests of patient, hospital,payer, and society. With continuously increasing healthcare costs,there is a great need for more studies focused on the optimal organization of the ICU. These studies should not focus solely on reductions in ICU length of stay but should strive to measure the true costs of care within a given healthcare system.