手卫生干预措施提高新生儿重症监护室手消毒依从性的观察与效果

目的研究提高新生儿重症监护室的手消毒依从性。方法建立手卫生干预措施,并用视频监测手段观察干预前后共13个月的各类接触。结果实施手卫生干预措施后手消毒依从性从25．15％上升为88．20％;培训后护理员的手消毒依从性较医生和护士低,夜间护士和护理员的手消毒依从性低于白班（P〈0．01）。结论手卫生干预措施能有效提高手消毒的依从性。     

集束照护策略对提高NICU医护人员手卫生依从性的作用

目的 探讨集束照护策略对提高新生儿重症监护病房(NICU)医护人员手卫生依从性的作用.方法 通过开展品质罔活动,实施医护人员手卫生的集束照护策略(care bundle),即:(1)加强培训和管理,增强手卫牛意识,强化手卫牛观念;(2)进行环境改造和流程再造,创建手卫生的氛围和方便的洗手设施;(3)加强监督,医护人员共同参与,保证洗手的正确性.对实施集束照护策略前后NICU医护人员入室及接触患儿前手卫生的落实情况进行比较分析. 结果NICU医护人员入室、接触患儿前手卫生实施率分别由集束照护策略实施前的32.1%、92.0%上升至实施后的97.4%、99.3%;新生儿院内感染的发生率由实施前的2.22%下降到实施后的1.38%.结论 集束照护策略能有效提高医护人员手卫生的依从性,预防医院内感染发生.     

Healthcare-associated respiratory infections in intensive care unit can be reduced by a hand hygiene program: A multicenter study

Purpose

Healthcare-associated respiratory tract infections are common and markedly affect the quality of life and mortality, as well as increasing costs for health systems due to prolonged hospitalisation. This study aimed to assess the change in both level and trend of respiratory tract infections after a specific hand hygiene program for intensive care unit (ICU) staff.

The effectiveness of a promotion programme on hand hygiene compliance and nosocomial infections in a neonatal intensive care unit

This quasi-experimental study aimed to identify the impact of a promotion programme on hand hygiene practices and its effect on nosocomial infection rates in a neonatal intensive care unit of a university hospital in Thailand. The study populations were 26 nursing personnel. After implementing a hand hygiene promotion programme, compliance with hand hygiene among nursing personnel improved significantly from 6.3% before the programme to 81.2% 7 months after the programme. Compliance rate did not correlate with the intensity of patient care. Nosocomial infection rate did not decrease after the intervention, probably because of the multifactorial nature of infections. All participants agreed that promotion programme implemented in this project motivated them to practise better hand hygiene. This study indicated that multiple approaches and persistent encouragement are key factors leading to a sustained high level of appropriate hand hygiene practices among nursing personnel.     

Effects of hand hygiene education and individual feedback on hand hygiene behaviour,MRSA acquisition rate and MRSA colonization pressure among intensive care unit nurses

This study was conducted to increase the frequency and level of thoroughness of hand hygiene practice by nurses, and to assess the influence of the methicillin‐resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) acquired incidence rate and the MRSA colonization pressure in a medical intensive care unit (MICU). A total of 24 MICU nurses received hand hygiene education and individual feedback of hand hygiene frequency and method after a session of education, and two posteducation evaluations were followed. The frequency of hand hygiene (P = 0.001) and the methodology score of hand hygiene increased significantly (P = 0.001). The MRSA acquisition rate decreased significantly, from 11.1% before the education to 0% after (P = 0.014). The MRSA colonization pressure decreased significantly from 39.5% to 8.6% after the education sessions (P = 0.001). This indicates that providing individual feedback after hand hygiene education was very effective in increasing nurses' hand hygiene frequency and improving hand hygiene method; furthermore, it was expected to decrease health care‐associated infections.     

Impact of an educational intervention on hand hygiene compliance and infection rate in a developing country neonatal intensive care unit

Nosocomial infections are a significant problem in neonatal intensive care units (NICUs) and hand hygiene (HH) has been stated as an effective mean to prevent spread of infections. The aim of study was to assess the baseline compliance HH practices and to evaluate the impact of hand washing educational programme on infection rate in a NICU. Continuous surveillance of nosocomial infections was done. A total of 15 797 and 12 929 opportunities for HH were observed in pre‐intervention and postintervention phases, respectively. Compliance of health‐care workers for all HH opportunities combined was 46% before intervention and improved significantly to 69% in postintervention (RR 1.49, CI 1.46–1.52, P < 0.0001). Compliance for nurses and doctors was similar. Nosocomial sepsis rate showed a significant decline from 96 per 1000 patient‐days in pre‐intervention to 47 per 1000 patient‐days in postintervention phase (RR 0.44, CI 0.33–0.58, P < 0.0001). We conclude that effective HH practices can serve as an economical and effective nosocomial infection control approach especially important in developing nations.     

How qualitative research can contribute to research in the intensive care unit

A qualitative research design can provide unique contributions to research in the intensive care unit. Qualitative research includes the entire process of research: the methodology (conceptualization of the research question, choosing the appropriate qualitative strategy, designing the protocol), methods (conducting the research using qualitative methods within the chosen qualitative strategy, analysis of the data, verification of the findings), and writing the narrative. The researcher is the instrument and the data are the participants' words and experiences that are collected and coded to present experiences, discover themes, or build theories. A number of strategies are available to conduct qualitative research and include grounded theory, phenomenology, case study, and ethnography. Qualitative methods can be used to understand complex phenomena that do not lend themselves to quantitative methods of formal hypothesis testing. Qualitative research may be used to gain insights about organizational and cultural issues within the intensive care unit and to improve our understanding of social interaction and processes of health care delivery. In this article, we outline the rationale for, and approaches to, using qualitative research to inform critical care issues. We provide an overview of qualitative methods available and how they can be used alone or in concert with quantitative methods. To illustrate how our understanding of social phenomena such as patient safety and behavior change has been enhanced we use recent qualitative studies in acute care medicine.     

Acute cardiogenic pulmonary oedema: reflecting on the management of an intensive care unit patient

Aim: The aim of this paper is to reflect upon the management interventions of non‐invasive ventilation (NIV) and diuretic therapy that were implemented for a patient admitted to an intensive care unit (ICU) with acute cardiogenic pulmonary oedema. Background: Acute pulmonary oedema is a serious and life‐threatening complication of acute heart failure, particularly if this results from an ischaemic event. Statistics highlight that of those patients treated for acute cardiogenic pulmonary oedema, approximately only one third were alive after 1 year. Many of these patients will require intensive care management in order to restore homeostasis. It is therefore imperative that nurses understand the condition and the relevant management of it in order to maximize the already poor prognosis. Results: Using Driscoll's (2000) reflective model to guide critical thinking, this paper reflects on the management of one patient who was admitted to ICU with acute cardiogenic pulmonary oedema as a result of heart failure. Although there are many aspects of patient management that can be explored, specific care interventions that this patient received in relation to NIV and diuretic therapy will be considered. The evidence base for their use, together with the relevant nursing management issues, and patient implications will be critically analysed and outlined. Conclusions: This paper identifies that standard therapy for acute cardiogenic pulmonary oedema is largely supportive and aimed at promoting gaseous exchange. It also highlights that nurses have a key role in ensuring that these essential treatments are as efficacious as possible. Relevance to clinical practice: By using a reflective analysis approach, this paper highlights how reflecting on practice improves knowledge and understanding of the use of NIV and diuretic therapy interventions and should facilitate nurses working in ICU to become more competent in ensuring that the treatment provided for acute cardiogenic pulmonary oedema is as successful as possible.     

Hand hygiene compliance and behavioural determinants in a paediatric intensive care unit: An observational study

Background

Hand hygiene is considered the single most effective means of reducing healthcare-associated infections, but improving and sustaining hand hygiene compliance remains a great challenge.

Action research studies in the intensive care setting: a systematic review

Objectives

To review published studies using action research in the intensive care unit (ICU) in order to provide an intervention framework to improve clinical outcomes.

Design

Systematic review.

Methods

Searches of the electronic databases: Cumulative Index of Nursing and Allied Health Literature (CINAHL); Scopus, Medline, Embase, PsycINFO, and the World Wide Web were undertaken using MeSH key words including: ‘action research’; ‘health care research’, ‘health services evaluation’; ‘intensive care unit’. Reference lists of retrieved articles was also undertaken to identify further articles. All studies were reviewed by two authors using a critical appraisal tool.

Results

The search strategy generated 195 articles. Only 21 studies projects were identified using action research in the ICU. The majority of studies were conducted in the United Kingdom. The participants in the action research studies ranged from 6 to 253. Predominately studies using action research involved nurses in collaboration with patients and family and other health care practitioners to address identified problems in the ICU.

Conclusions

Based on this review it appears that action research is a promising methodological approach to address clinical practice improvement in the ICU. Studies retrieved focussed primarily on process and formative evaluation but not on clinical outcomes. There is a need to incorporate outcome assessment in action research in the ICU to increase the framework of action research to improve clinical outcomes.     

Implementation and evaluation of a network-based pilot program to improve palliative care in the intensive care unit

Background

Intensive care unit (ICU) care could be improved by implementation of time-triggered evidence-based interventions including identification of a patient/family medical decision maker, the patient’s advance directive status, and cardiopulmonary resuscitation preferences by Day 1; offer of social work and spiritual support by Day 3; and a family meeting establishing goals of care by Day 5. We implemented a program to improve care for ICU patients in five Department of Veterans Affairs’ ICUs.

Measures

We measured the percent of ICU patients with lengths of stay of five or more days that received the care processes by the appropriate day.

Intervention

Critical care and palliative care providers trained ICU nurse teams to improve care through auditing, performance feedback, improvement tools, education, and monthly team meetings.

Outcomes

Pre- and postintervention care were compared. Offering social work and spiritual support, identification of the medical decision maker, and documentation of family meetings significantly improved.

Conclusions/Lessons Learned

ICU nurse teams can be engaged to improve care under the aegis of a collaborative quality improvement project.     

Optimising a targeted test reduction intervention for patients admitted to the intensive care unit: The Targeted Intensive Care Test Ordering Cluster Trial intervention

BackgroundApproaches to routine diagnostic testing in the intensive care unit include time-scheduled testing and targeted testing. Blood tests and chest radiographs requested on a routine, time-scheduled basis may reduce the risk of missing important findings. Targeted testing, considering individual patient needs, may reduce unnecessary testing, wasted clinician time, and costs. However, existing evidence of targeted testing interventions is generally of low quality, and the optimal testing approach is uncertain.ObjectivesThe aim of the study was to describe the development of an intervention to reduce unnecessary diagnostic test ordering by clinicians working in intensive care, with the aim of informing the design of a pivotal clinical trial.MethodsThe Capability, Opportunity, Motivation-Behaviour model was used as a theoretical framework for change. The intervention components were informed by systematically identifying, assessing, and classifying targeted testing interventions in behavioural terms. Feedback from intensive care clinicians and patients was sought using surveys and a consumer reference group.ResultsThe mean percentage of routine tests considered unnecessary by 201 intensive care clinicians was 33 (standard deviation = 16). When presented with a statement of the pros and cons for targeted versus liberal testing (n = 154), 93 (60%) consumer survey respondents preferred a more liberal approach, 33 (21%) preferred a more restrictive approach, and 28 (18%) were unsure. There were 24 behavioural interventions identified and incorporated into the final intervention. This had five major components: (i) a management committee to acquire, disseminate, and coordinate intervention-related information, (ii) a targeted testing guideline for sites, (iii) educational material for sites, (iv) site medical and nursing champions, and (v) site audit and feedback.ConclusionsAlthough surveyed intensive care clinicians report substantial unnecessary routine diagnostic testing, on the basis of currently available evidence, consumers prefer a more liberal approach. This feedback, and a framework to identify behavioural interventions, has been used to inform the design of a proposed targeted testing clinical trial.     

重症监护室患者侵袭性导管相关感染分析与护理

目的探讨重症监护室（ICU）内各种侵袭性导管监护治疗与导管相关性感染的关系及其护理干预对策。方法对我院2005年1月-2006年10月ICU收治的739例患者进行回顾性调查,了解ICU内侵袭性导管相关感染发生情况。结果739例患者在ICU住院期间发生医院感染129例,医院感染发病率17．45％;患者日医院感染发生率13．04‰;与尿道插管相关的泌尿道感染发生率11．57‰;与动静脉插管相关的血液感染发病率0．46‰;与使用呼吸机相关的肺部感染发病率9．78‰。侵袭性操作越多感染率相应增高。结论加强环境治理、避免交叉感染、严格洗手制度、严格管理侵袭性操作及合理使用抗生素等综合治理措施是预防和控制侵袭性导管相关感染的有效途径。     

A relational coordination training intervention to improve job satisfaction and intent to stay in the intensive care unit: A pilot study

BackgroundRelational coordination (RC) explores the coordination of work between and among professionals in a workgroup. RC is associated with higher job satisfaction and retention; however, researchers have not tested RC training interventions to improve job satisfaction and retention.PurposeTo explore changes in job satisfaction and intent to stay among health care professionals following a virtual RC training intervention.MethodsWe conducted a pilot, parallel group randomized controlled trial in four intensive care units. Data collection occurred via survey. Difference-in-difference regression models were used to analyze the job satisfaction and intent to stay outcomes.DiscussionThe RC training intervention did not influence job satisfaction or intent to stay. Participants with baccalaureate degrees and African American/Black participants reported lower intent to stay.ConclusionThe results from this pilot study are a critical first step in testing the efficacy of an RC training intervention to improve staff outcomes in a larger powered study.     

Psychological problems in the family members of gravely traumatised patients admitted into an intensive care unit

The aim of these studies was the analysis of the psychological repercussions on the closest members of families of 76 gravely traumatised patients admitted into the Intensive Care Unit (ICU) of the Hospital Universitario de Rehabilitación y Traumatología Virgen del Rocio, Sevilla (Spain). An investigation based on social information and the Clinical Analysis Questionnaire was used. The sample of family members was composed of 42 women and 34 men, with an average age of 41.3 years (SD±12.8). Results showed that (a) more than 50% of the family members of gravely traumatised patients admitted into an ICU showed symptoms of depression, (b) the women scored more points in hypochondria, suicidal depression, anxious depression, low-energy depression, guilt-resentment, apathy-withdrawal, paranoia, schizophrenia, psychasthenia and psychological disadjustment, and (c) in general terms, the psychological characteristics of the families were far from the norm of the control group.This work was supported by grants from Fondo de Investigaciones Sanitarias de la Seguridad Social (FIS 90/0053, and FIS 90/4039)