Nonpharmacological interventions for agitation in the adult intensive care unit: A systematic review

BackgroundPerson-centred nonpharmacological strategies should be used whenever possible to reduce agitation in the intensive care unit due to issues related to an overreliance on physical restraints and psychoactive drugs. However, the effect of nonpharmacological interventions to reduce agitation is unclear.ObjectivesThe objectives of this study were to systematically review studies that evaluate the effectiveness of nonpharmacological interventions designed to prevent and minimise or manage patient agitation in the adult intensive care unit.MethodsThis systematic review was conducted following the Joanna Briggs Institute's Systematic Review of Effectiveness method and a priori PROSPERO protocol. Quantitative studies were identified from seven databases, including MEDLINE, EmCare, CINAHL, Web of Science, PsycINFO, Scopus, and Cochrane Library. In addition, grey literature from several repositories and trial registers was searched. The primary outcome of interest was the effect on prevention, minimisation, and management of agitation. The quality of the evidence was assessed using the Grading of Recommendations, Assessment, Development and Evaluation (GRADE).ResultsEleven studies were included (n = 882). Meta-analyses of two studies demonstrated significantly lower levels of agitation (measured with the Richmond Agitation Sedation Scale) in the group receiving a multicomponent nonpharmacological intervention than in those receiving usual care. Individual studies showed a significant effect of nature-based sounds, music, foot reflexology, healing touch, and aromatherapy. The type of the endotracheal suction system did not affect levels of agitation. Overall, the certainty of the findings was rated very low. Harms and adverse effects were not reported in any studies.ConclusionsNonpharmacological interventions have the potential to reduce levels of agitation in the intensive care unit. However, inconsistencies in reporting, low quality of methodological designs, and small sample sizes impact the certainty of the results. Future trials must include larger sample sizes, use rigorous methods to improve knowledge in this field, and consider a range of other outcomes.     

Factors contributing to poor sleep in critically ill patients: A systematic review and meta-synthesis of qualitative studies

ObjectiveTo examine the causes of poor sleep in critically ill patients from nurses’ experiences.Review methodologyA meta-synthesis following the Enhancing Transparency in Reporting the Synthesis of Qualitative Research statement was conducted. Articles were searched systematically in the CINAHL, MEDLINE and Embase databases up to January 2020. Study selection and data extraction were performed by two authors working independently. Included articles were critically evaluated by both authors using the Critical Appraisal Screening Programme tool.FindingsThe meta-synthesis resulted in four analytical themes: (1) Inherent factors of critical illness, (2) Lack of implementation of evidence-based practice, (3) Lack of relational collaboration, (4) Hospital organisation and culture.ConclusionThis literature review indicates that promoting critically ill patients' sleep is difficult. Evidence-based interventions should be implemented into practice in order for nurses to be able to meet the patients' needs and improve sleep. Furthermore, the team surrounding the patient must have support from the health care organisation, and a culture change is necessary to improve communication between them to reach a shared goal to improve critically ill patients' sleep.     

非药物干预比较改善ICU患者睡眠质量效果的网状Meta分析

目的采用网状Meta分析方法评价非药物干预改善ICU患者睡眠质量的效果。方法计算机检索The Cochrane Library、PubMed、EMbase、Web of Science、CNKI、WanFang Data、VIP和CBM数据库,搜集非药物干预改善ICU患者睡眠质量效果的随机对照试验(RCT),检索时限均为建库至2018年12月。由2名研究者独立筛选文献、提取资料并评价纳入研究的偏倚风险后,采用Stata 13.0软件进行网状Meta分析。结果共纳入12个RCT,包括1223例患者,涉及9种非药物干预方法(音乐疗法、综合护理干预、中医情志、音乐疗法+中医情志、中药枕疗法、耳穴压豆、眼罩+耳塞+音乐、眼罩+耳塞、常规护理)。针对匹兹堡睡眠质量指数(PSQI)的网状Meta分析结果显示:在改善ICU患者睡眠质量方面,眼罩+耳塞、眼罩、综合护理干预优于常规护理,其差异有统计学意义。结果排序图显示:眼罩+耳塞>眼罩>综合护理干预、音乐疗法+中医情志>中医情志>音乐疗法>常规护理。针对Richards-Campbell睡眠量表(RCSQ)的网状Meta分析结果显示:眼罩+耳塞+音乐、中药枕疗法、耳穴压豆优于常规护理,其差异有统计学意义。结果排序图显示:眼罩+耳塞+音乐>中药枕疗法>音乐疗法>耳穴压豆>常规护理。结论当前证据显示,在改善ICU患者睡眠质量方面,眼罩+耳塞、眼罩、综合护理干预、音乐疗法+中医情志都可能是有效的干预方式,建议未来开展更多非药物干预改善ICU患者睡眠质量效果的RCT。     

Effectiveness of aromatherapy on anxiety and sleep quality among adult patients admitted into intensive care units: A systematic review

PurposeThis review aims to evaluate the effectiveness of aromatherapy on anxiety and sleep quality among adult patients admitted to an intensive care unit.Materials and MethodsA systematic search for published and unpublished studies across nine databases and sources were conducted. Randomised Controlled Trials and Controlled Clinical Trials, which assessed the effectiveness of aromatherapy on anxiety and sleep quality among intensive care unit patients, were included in this review. Only studies that used aromatherapy as a single intervention were included. Narrative synthesis was conducted across all outcomes due to high heterogeneity across studies.ResultsA total of 26 studies involving 2176 participants across six countries were included in this review. Most studies had an overall high risk of bias. Publication bias was detected in the studies. Findings have shown that aromatherapy may be effective in reducing anxiety based on the low GRADE certainty of evidence, and improving sleep quality based on the very low GRADE certainty of evidence. Inconsistencies in findings were also observed.ConclusionAromatherapy might be beneficial on anxiety and sleep quality among intensive care unit patients, however, the level of evidence is very low, based on the low quality of studies. Considerations can be made to incorporate aromatherapy into existing interventions that improve anxiety and sleep quality in the intensive care unit. Due to inconsistencies in findings, further research can be done to investigate and strengthen these evidence.Implication for clinical practiceThis review has demonstrated that aromatherapy may have benefits on anxiety and sleep quality. Despite uncertain evidence, aromatherapy may still be considered as a complementary or alternative option to improve anxiety and sleep quality among intensive care patients as it is relatively safe, cost-effective and easy to implement (Buckle, 2014). However, proper training by a professional clinical aromatherapist is needed to ensure there is screening of patients for suitability, proper technique for administering aromatherapy, safe handling of essential oils and monitoring for adverse events (Farrar & Farrar, 2020).     

Non-pharmacological interventions for anxiety in burn patients: A systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials

AimPresent review aimed to conduct a comprehensive review of the effectiveness of non-pharmacological interventions (NPIs) on reducing anxiety in adult burn patients.MethodWe searched PubMed, Web of Science, Scopus, Cochrane Library, and Google Scholar databases through September 2019 for randomized clinical trials comparing NPIs to a control group. The primary outcomes were general anxiety and pain anxiety. The Cochrane Risk of Bias Tool was used to assess the risk of bias. All data was pooled with Revman 5.3.Results20 studies were eligible for quantitative synthesis. Compared to routine care, Music (4 Randomized Clinical Trials (RCTs), Standardized Mean Difference (SMD) = –2.00, 95 % Confidence Interval (CI) = –3.21 to –0.79), massage (4 RCTs, SMD= –1.84, 95 % CI= –2.77 to –0.91), hypnosis (2 RCTs, SMD= −1.06, 95 % CI= −2.90 to 0.78), relaxation (2 RCTs, SMD= −0.77, 95 %CI= −1.52 to −0.02), transcranial direct current stimulation (1 RCT, SMD= −1.92, 95 %CI= −2.54 to −1.30), and therapeutic touch practices (1 RCT, SMD=−0.45 95 %CI= −0.86 to −0.04), were associated with a significant effect on the anxiety of burn patients. Aromatherapy interventions and virtual reality showed no evidence of a reduction in the anxiety. A large amount of heterogeneity exist among trials. Risk of bias varied across studies. Only one study reported on safety issues.ConclusionDue to weak evidence, we are unable to make strong recommendations in favor of NPIs for burn anxiety. Further well-designed large sample size randomized clinical trials are warranted.     

Low-molecular-weight heparin thromboprophylaxis in medical-surgical critically ill patients: A systematic review

Purpose

The study aimed to systematically review the effect of low-molecular-weight heparin (LMWH) thromboprophylaxis in medical-surgical critically ill patients in the intensive care unit.

Methods

In duplicate and independently, we searched for relevant articles using MEDLINE and EMBASE; we also contacted experts and reviewed reference lists. For included studies, we abstracted data on study and patient characteristics, LMWH use, clinical outcomes (venous thromboembolism [VTE], bleeding, and mortality), laboratory outcomes (anti-Xa levels and thrombocytopenia), and methodological quality.

Results

We included 8 prospective cohort studies and 1 randomized trial, with a total of 629 patients. Eight studies (n = 406 patients) reported anti-Xa levels and only 3 studies (n = 240 patients) reported on at least one clinical outcome. Low-molecular-weight heparin does not appear to bioaccumulate based on repeated measurements of trough anti-Xa levels. Thrombocytopenia occurred in 9.3% of patients receiving LMWH; heparin-induced thrombocytopenia was not reported. In studies reporting clinical outcomes, the frequency of VTE in patients receiving LMWH ranged from 5.1% to 15.5%, bleeding complications ranged from 7.2% to 23.1%, and mortality ranged from 1.4% to 7.4%.

Conclusions

Low-molecular-weight heparin may be effective for thromboprophylaxis in medical-surgical critically ill patients, but no trials have compared LMWH against an alternative active strategy; thus, LMWH cannot be recommended routinely. Trials testing LMWH thromboprophylaxis are required, which examine patient-important end points such as the incidence and clinical consequences of VTE, bleeding, heparin-induced thrombocytopenia, and mortality.     

Effects of nonpharmacological interventions on sleep improvement and delirium prevention in critically ill patients: A systematic review and meta-analysis

ObjectiveSleep disturbance and delirium are common problems experienced by critically ill patients in the intensive care unit (ICU). These interrelated issues increase the length of stay in the ICU but might also negatively affect long-term health outcomes. The objective of this study was to identify the nonpharmacological interventions provided to improve sleep or prevent delirium in ICU patients or both and integrate their effect sizes.Review methodsThis study was a registered systematic review and meta-analysis. We searched MEDLINE, CINAHL, EMBASE, Web of Science, and Cochrane Library from their inception until December 2021. We included randomised controlled trials and nonrandomised controlled trials-(RCT) that provided nonpharmacological interventions and reported sleep or delirium as outcome variables. Studies not published in English or whose full text was not available were excluded. The quality of the evidence was assessed with version 2 of the Cochrane risk-of-bias tool for RCTs and the Risk Of Bias In Non-randomised Studies of Interventions (ROBINS-I).ResultsThe systematic review included 118 studies, and the meta-analysis included 100 studies. Overall nonpharmacological interventions had significant effects on subjective sleep quality (standardised mean difference = 0.30, 95% confidence interval [CI] = 0.05 to 0.56), delirium incidence (odds ratio = 0.62, 95% CI = 0.53 to 0.73), and delirium duration (standardised mean difference = −0.68, 95% CI = −0.93 to −0.43). In individual interventions, aromatherapy, music, and massage effectively improved sleep. Exercise, family participation, information giving, cognitive stimulation, bright light therapy, architectural intervention, and bundles/protocols effectively reduced delirium. Light/noise blocking was the only intervention that ensured both sleep improvement and delirium prevention.ConclusionsOur results suggest nonpharmacological interventions improve sleep and prevent delirium in ICU patients. We recommend that ICU nurses use nonpharmacological interventions that promote person–environment compatibility in their clinical practice. The results of our review can guide nurses in adopting interventions related to sleep and delirium.Prospero reference numberCRD42021230815     

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.     

Effectiveness of physical exercise and neuromuscular electrical stimulation interventions for preventing and treating intensive care unit-acquired weakness: A systematic review of randomized controlled trials

ObjectiveIntensive care unit-acquired weakness is a frequent problem that develops as a secondary disorder while patients are suffering from life-threatening conditions. This study aimed to evaluate the effectiveness of physical exercise or neuromuscular electrical stimulation interventions on (i) preventing loss of muscle mass and weakness in critically ill patients admitted to intensive care units; (ii) recovering patients discharged from the intensive care unit with acquired weakness.MethodsA systematic review of randomized controlled trials was carried out, with studies identified in PubMed, Scopus, and Web of Science. The studies included assessed muscle mass and muscle strength, and performed a time × group analysis of effects. The risk of bias assessment was performed using the Revised Cochrane risk-of-bias tool for randomized trials.ResultsSix trials with low risk of bias examined muscle mass, muscle strength, and functionality in 182 adult patients. In critically ill patients admitted to intensive care units, both neuromuscular electrical stimulation and bed/chair cycling for five to ten days prevented significant muscle loss. neuromuscular electrical stimulation in lower and upper limbs resulted in a significant reduction in the length of the hospitalization. In addition, cycle ergometer increased muscle strength and functionality. In patients discharged from the intensive care unit with acquired weakness, both neuromuscular electrical stimulation and physical exercise interventions increased muscle strength, but only physical exercise increased functionality.ConclusionsPhysical exercise and neuromuscular electrical stimulation interventions prevent excessive muscle mass loss in critically ill patients admitted to the intensive care unit and increase muscle strength in patients discharged from the intensive care unit with acquired weakness. Physical exercise seems more adequate for improving functionality.     

The effects of intensive care unit-initiated transitional care interventions on elements of post-intensive care syndrome: A systematic review and meta-analysis

ObjectiveThe aim of the study was to assess the effectiveness of intensive care unit (ICU)–initiated transitional care interventions for patients and families on elements of post-intensive care syndrome (PICS) and/or PICS-family (PICS–-F).Review method usedThis is a systematic review and meta-analysisSourcesThe authors searched in biomedical bibliographic databases including PubMed, Embase (OVID), CINAHL Plus (EBSCO), Web of Science, and the Cochrane Library and included studies written in English conducted up to October 8, 2020.Review methodsWe included (non)randomised controlled trials focussing on ICU-initiated transitional care interventions for patients and families. Two authors conducted selection, quality assessment, and data extraction and synthesis independently. Outcomes were described using the three elements of PICS, which were categorised into (i) physical impairments (pulmonary, neuromuscular, and physical function), (ii) cognitive impairments (executive function, memory, attention, visuo-spatial and mental processing speed), and (iii) psychological health (anxiety, depression, acute stress disorder, post-traumatic stress disorder, and depression).ResultsFrom the initially identified 5052 articles, five studies were included (i.e., two randomised controlled trials and three nonrandomised controlled trials) with varied transitional care interventions. Quality among the studies differs from moderate to high risk of bias. Evidence from the studies shows no significant differences in favour of transitional care interventions on physical or psychological aspects of PICS-(F). One study with a nurse-led structured follow-up program showed a significant difference in physical function at 3 months.ConclusionsOur review revealed that there is a paucity of research about the effectiveness of transitional care interventions for ICU patients with PICS. All, except one of the identified studies, failed to show a significant effect on the elements of PICS. However, these results should be interpreted with caution owing to variety and scarcity of data.Prospero registrationCRD42020136589 (available via https://www.crd.york.ac.uk/prospero/display_record.php?ID=CRD42020136589).     

危重孕产妇住重症监护病房时间延长的危险因素分析——北京市3家医院5年回顾性研究

目的 评估危重孕产妇重症监护病房(ICU)住院时间延长的危险因素.方法 回顾性分析2006年1月1日至2010年12月31日北京市3家医院ICU危重孕产妇的临床资料,包括患者的基本特征、转入ICU的疾病种类、急性生理学与慢性健康状况评分系统I(APACHE I)评分、发病至转入ICU时间、各种检查结果、治疗措施、ICU住院时间以及孕产妇病死率.采用单因素比较和多因素Logistic回归分析危重孕产妇ICU住院时间延长的危险因素.结果 5年内共有207例危重孕产妇收入ICU,占所有孕产妇的0.42%;平均年龄(31.74±2.32)岁,平均孕龄(34.86+4.72)周.其中4例孕产妇死亡,病死率1.93%.207例危重孕产妇中,138例为产科重症,69例并发严重内科疾病.转入ICU最常见的产科病因为产后大出血(42例,20.29%)和妊娠相关性高血压(36例,17.39%),其次为妊娠急性脂肪肝(AFLP,27例,13.04%)和产科弥散性血管内凝血(DIC,23例,11.11%);最常见的内科病因为急性心功能衰竭(26例,12.56%)和急性呼吸衰竭(22例,10.63%),其次为重症急性胰腺炎(SAP,11例,5.31%).109例患者(占52.66%)ICU住院时间延长(ICU滞留时间＞3 d).单因素分析显示,未行规律产前检查、血肌酐、凝血酶原时间国际标准化比值(INR)、氧合指数(PaO2/FiO2)、AFLP、产科DIC、SAP、机械通气、血管活性药物、血液净化治疗和发病至转入ICU时间＞24 h与ICU住院时间延长有关.多因素Logistic回归分析显示,未行规律产前检查[优势比(OR)1.68,95%可信区间(95%CI)1.14～2.69,P=0.011]、PaO2/FiO2(OR 4.73,95%CI 1.46～11.37,P=0.013)、AFLP(OR 3.21,95%CI 1.13～4.76,P=0.026)、产科DIC(OR 2.73,95%CI 1.28～4.02,P=0.018)、SAP(OR 4.78,95%CI 1.83～7.42,P=0.021)、血管活性药物(OR 1.96,95%CI 1.24～3.15,P=0.001)、血液净化治疗(OR 11.02,95%CI 3.04～58.02,P=0.015)和发病至转入ICU时间＞24 h(OR 2.04,95%CI 1.21～4.25,P＜0.001)是ICU住院时间延长的独立危险因素.结论 危重孕产妇ICU住院时间延长的发生率较高.临床上可以根据危险因素预测危重孕产妇ICU住院时间延长,加强规律产前检查、避免产科及内科严重并发症;发病后尽快转入ICU并在ICU内加强各器官功能支持可能有助于缩短ICU住院时间.     

Prophylaxis of Candida infections in adult trauma and surgical intensive care patients: a systematic review and meta-analysis

Objective To determine whether systemic antifungal prophylaxis decreases infectious morbidity and mortality in nonneutropenic, critically ill, trauma and surgical intensive care unit (ICU) adult patients.Design Systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized clinical trials. We used a fixed effect model, with risk ratio (RR) and 95% confidence intervals (CI).Participants Patients admitted to ICU after surgery or trauma, with multiple risk factors for fungal infections.Interventions Nine studies (seven double blind) with a total of 1,226 patients compared ketoconazole (three) or fluconazole (six) to placebo (eight) or no treatment (one).Results Prophylaxis with azole was associated with reduced rates of candidemia (RR 0.30, 95% CI 0.10–0.82), mortality attributable to Candida infection (RR 0.25, 95% CI 0.08–0.80), and overall mortality (RR 0.60, 95% CI 0.45–0.81). Time to event analysis showed a significantly lower probability of fungal infections in treated patients. There was no evidence of statistical heterogeneity between studies, and publication bias assessment gave a negative results. There was, however, wide variability in the definition and reporting of some relevant clinical outcomes (e.g., confirmed or suspected infections, colonization) and pooling of these outcome measures was not feasible.Conclusions Prophylaxis of candidal infection among critically ill ICU patients has beneficial effect on certain outcome measures, but additional data from well designed clinical trials and long-term epidemiological observations are needed to provide firm recommendations for the selection of subgroups of patients who would most benefit from prophylaxis and to determine the effect of prophylaxis on fungal resistance patterns.Electronic Supplementary Material Electronic supplementary material to this contribution can be obtained by using the Springer Link server located at .     

Long-term survival from intensive care: a review

Objective To determine whether the long-term benefit of an ICU requires prolonged patient follow-up we reviewed long-term survival of patients from general ICUs.Method We carried out a computerised search of online databases Medline (1966–2004), Embase (1966–2004) and Cochrane Library (1966–2004) for studies reporting patients long-term survival for greater than 12 months from general ICUs.Selected studies We identified 19 studies that met the selection criteria. The casemix and severity of illness varied. Differences included the services provided, investigator inclusion/exclusion criteria and proportion of medical patients (range 13–79%).Results Mean reported ICU length of stay was 5.3 days. The study initiation time for follow-up varied (mostly from time of ICU admission), as did the duration of follow-up (16 months–13 years). ICU and hospital mortality rates ranged from 8% to 33% and 11% to 64%, respectively. The reported 5-year mortality ranged from 40% to 58%.Conclusions Well designed studies on long-term outcomes are needed to demonstrate the value of intensive care. Deficiencies in design, methodology, and reporting make interpretation and comparison difficult. Recommendations are made for the reporting of outcome from the ICU. Optimum duration of follow-up has not been determined.     

Critically ill cancer patient in intensive care unit: Issues that arise

Advances in the management of malignancies and organ failures have led to substantial increases in survival as well as in the number of cancer patients requiring intensive care unit (ICU) admission. Although effectiveness of ICU in this group remains controversial, the heterogeneity of its population in terms of the nature and curability of their disease and the severity of critical illness and underlying conditions may explain the plethora of issues arising when considering cancer patients for ICU admission, especially from the view of limited resources and ICU beds.     

Implementation of nonpharmacologic physical restraint minimization interventions in the adult intensive care unit: A scoping review

ObjectiveTo identify the elements informing the successful implementation of nonpharmacologic physical restraint minimization interventions in adult intensive care unit patients. To map those elements to innovation, context, recipients and facilitation domains of the integrated–Promoting Action on Research Implementation in Health Services (i-PARIHS) framework and to describe the outcomes of those interventions.MethodologyA scoping review of studies published in English reporting on restraint minimization interventions in adult intensive care units. We searched seven databases (MEDLINE, CIHAHL, Embase, Web of Science, Cochrane Library, PROSPERO and Joanna Briggs) from inception to 2021. Two authors independently screened articles for inclusion, extracted study characteristics and mapped intervention data to the i-PARIHS domains.ResultsSeven studies met inclusion criteria. Innovations comprised multicomponent interventions including education, decision aids/protocols and restraint alternatives. No studies utilised an implementation science framework to diagnose the baseline practice context. A commonly reported barrier to restraint minimization was a risk averse culture. Change was mostly driven by the external context (i.e. national regulations). Overall, nurses were the primary facilitators and recipients of practice change. Outcomes were changes in restraint incidence and prevalence abstracted from the medical record. However, no study validated the accuracy of restraint documentation. All studies documented an initial decrease in physical restraint use, but no long-term results were reported.ConclusionRestraint minimization intervention studies report nurse-facilitated multicomponent interventions and short-term practice change. Future restraint minimization research incorporating implementation science frameworks, interprofessional teams and patient/family perspectives is warranted.     

Safety culture in two metropolitan Australian tertiary hospital intensive care units: A cross-sectional survey

BackgroundSafety culture is significant in the complex intensive care environment, where the consequences of human error can be catastrophic. Research within Australian intensive care units has been limited and little is understood about the safety culture of intensive care units in Queensland.AimThe aim was to evaluate and compare safety culture in the intensive care units of two metropolitan tertiary hospitals in Queensland.MethodA cross-sectional survey, Safety Attitudes Questionnaire, was administered to all medical, nursing and allied health professionals in the research sites (A and B) during January and February 2016. Data were collated into six safety culture domains of teamwork climate, safety climate, job satisfaction, stress recognition, working conditions and perceptions of management. Comparison was made using t-tests and between demographic groups using generalising estimating equations.ResultsIn total, 206 surveys were returned from 522 staff (39.5% response rate). The majority of respondents were nurses (80.6%). Site B scored all domains of the safety attitudes questionnaire significantly higher than Site A (p < 0.001). The scores for both site A and B were significantly higher in all domains (p < 0.001) than a previous Australian study conducted in 2013. Both sites returned low scores in the stress recognition domain. Medical staff perceived the teamwork climate as more positive than nursing staff (mean difference 16.6 [Wald χ² = 10383.8, p < 0.001]). Allied health professionals reported poorer perceptions of working conditions than medical staff (mean difference 7.8 [Wald χ² = 775.4, p < 0.001]).ConclusionDespite similar governance and external structures, differences were found in safety culture between the two research sites. This finding emphasises the importance of local, unit-level assessment of safety culture and planning of improvement strategies. This study adds to the evidence and implications for critical care clinical practice that these interventions need to be unit focused, supported by management and multidisciplinary in approach.     

Effect of Patient and Family Centred Care interventions for adult intensive care unit patients and their families: A systematic review and meta-analysis

ObjectivesTo assess the evidence for the feasibility and effect of patient and familycentred care interventions provided in the intensive care unit, single or multicomponent, versus usual care, for reducing delirium, anxiety, depression and post-traumatic stress disorder in patients and family-members.DesignA systematic review and meta-analysis following the PRISMA guidelines and GRADE approach. A systematic literature search of relevant databases, screening and inclusion of studies, data extraction and assessment of risk of bias according to Cochrane methodology. The study is preregistered on PROSPERO (CRD42020160768).SettingAdult intensive care units.ResultsNine randomised controlled trials enrolling a total of 1170 patients and 1226 family-members were included. We found moderate to low certainty evidence indicating no effect of patient and family centred care on delirium, anxiety, depression, post-traumatic stress disorder, in-hospital mortality, intensive care length of stay or family-members’ anxiety, depression and post-traumatic stress disorder. No studies looked at the effect of patient and family centred care on pain or cognitive function in patients. Evaluation of feasibility outcomes was scarce. The certainty of the evidence was low to moderate, mainly due to substantial risk of bias in individual studies and imprecision due to few events and small sample size.ConclusionIt remains uncertain whether patient and family centred care compared to usual care may reduce delirium in patients and psychological sequelae of intensive care admission in patients and families due to limited evidence of moderate to low certainty. Lack of systematic process evaluation of intervention feasibility as recommended by the Medical Research Council to identify barriers and facilitators of patient and family centred care in the adult intensive care unit context, further limits the conclusions that can be drawn.