Checking the Boxes but Missing the Mark: ICU Rounds
After working in 11 ICUs and training 14 others, I have seen multidisciplinary rounds conducted in many different ways. And I’ve also witnessed how easy it is to check the boxes but still miss the mark. Even in teams that are more progressive with the ABCDEF Bundle who “check the boxes” during ICU rounds, the
Learn More > from Checking the Boxes but Missing the Mark: ICU Rounds
Raging Tigers and Merciful Angels: The Fight to Humanize Critical Care
Medicine is a field of evolution with a continuous trajectory of exploration, discovery, change, and progress. And this perpetual pattern has been just as reliable as the predictable resistance that comes with change. Past Revolutionists Who Fought to Humanize Critical Care This was demonstrated in the journey of Ignaz Semmelweis (pictured above), a Hungarian
Learn More > from Raging Tigers and Merciful Angels: The Fight to Humanize Critical Care
What Clinicians Need to Know About Awakening Trials
I have to admit, I wasn’t a fan of awakening trials at first. During my first two years in an Awake and Walking ICU, we rarely initiated sedation, so the need to turn it off wasn’t a struggle for us. When sedation was necessary, we simply turned it off when we deemed it unnecessary. It
Learn More > from What Clinicians Need to Know About Awakening Trials
How Failing to Practice the ABCDEF Bundle Creates Legal Liabilities in the ICU
As a nurse and a nurse advocate, I am passionate about protecting nurses and all ICU clinicians from falling victim to legal liabilities in the ICU. The alarming reality is that when hospitals fail to train and support their teams in keeping patients as awake and mobile as possible, everyone from hospital administrators to bedside
Learn More > from How Failing to Practice the ABCDEF Bundle Creates Legal Liabilities in the ICU
Why ICU Culture Is a Barrier to Early Mobility
While it’s clear that the ABCDEF Bundle saves lives and helps to restore the quality of life for ICU survivors, many intensive care units continue to standardize deep sedation and immobility. But why is this? Why does one ICU use sedation on less than 20% of intubated patients, while another sedates 100% of these patients
Learn More > from Why ICU Culture Is a Barrier to Early Mobility
Before Kali, our hospital struggled with overly-sedated patients and lack of early mobility. Despite multiple efforts to change the culture, we were at a standstill. In one hour, Kali was able to ignite a flurry of conversations regarding her experience with the Awake and Walking ICU and this immediately led to a change in clinical practice.
Patients with less sedation and other neurotoxic medications are spending fewer days on the ventilator. If you are considering starting an ICU early mobility program at your hospital, your first step needs to be to consult with Kali and absorb as much information as you can!
Matthew McClain, DPT
Florida, USA
Perception Versus Reality: Debunking The Myths About Medically-Induced Comas
By clicking the Subscribe button, you agree to this site's Privacy Policy. Your information is always kept safe.
